Final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Cardiff Local Development Plan

Transcription

1 Appendix 6 Cardiff Council & Levett-Therivel Sustainability Consultants Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Cardiff Local Development Plan Final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Cardiff Local Development Plan January 216

2 Contents 1. Introduction and Key Outcomes 3 2. Appraisal Methodology 7 3. The Local Development Plan Sustainability Context, Baseline and Objectives Appraisal of the Vision and Objectives Appraisal of Strategic Options Appraisal of Candidate Sites for Development Appraisal of Key and Detailed Policies Overall Effects and Mitigation Next Steps 83 Appendices (in separate files) A. Policy review B. Baseline C. Consultees' responses on Scoping Report D. Appraisal of LDP vision and objectives E. Appraisal of LDP strategic options F. Criteria used in candidate site appraisals G. Appraisal of LDP key and detailed policies H. Consultees responses to Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report I. Sustainability Appraisal response to Matters Arising Changes 2

3 1. Introduction and Key Outcomes Introduction 1.1 This Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Report forms part of the Council s documents for the Cardiff Local Development Plan (LDP) revised to reflect the May 215, October 215 and January 216 Matters Arising Changes following the public Examination. The purpose of sustainability appraisal is to identify the LDP's likely significant economic, environmental and social effects, and to suggest measures to minimise any negative effects and maximise the positive ones. Sustainability appraisal helps to foster a more inclusive and transparent process of producing a LDP, and helps to ensure that the LDP is integrated with other policies. 1.2 Section 121 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 and section 79 of the Government of Wales Act 26 place a duty on the National Assembly to promote sustainable development. Section 39 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 1 requires that the body producing a LDP (in this case Cardiff Council) must contribute to achieving sustainable development. In October 26 Cardiff Council adopted its Sustainable Development Policy Statement which states that, sustainable development is a guiding principle for all of the Council s activities... [including] strategy and policy development. 1.3 This report: Summarises and updates key aspects of the previously published Scoping Report; Assesses the vision, objectives, strategic options, candidate sites and key policies for the Cardiff LDP (with reference to the detailed policies when necessary), and the cumulative effects of the LDP; Where the LDP would have significant negative impacts, identifies possible methods to mitigate adverse impacts; Proposes a process of monitoring the LDP's actual impacts; and Provides appendices providing more detailed information on various aspects of this report. How this sustainability appraisal was undertaken including difficulties faced 1.4 The Council has undertaken its own sustainability appraisal (integrating Strategic Environmental Assessment) of its LDP and has retained Levett Therivel Sustainability Consultants to ensure quality, and to provide technical assistance at key stages of the process. Much of the SA was carried out by the sustainability appraisal team the Council s sustainability officers and the consultants with the results being passed to, and responded to, by the Council s planning team. Several appraisal workshops were attended by 1 3

4 officers from other Council departments. The last stages, updating between the October 212 Preferred Strategy and the August 213 Deposit LDP, and then to take account of the May 215, October 215 and January 216 Matters Arising Changes following the public Examination, were largely carried out as a desk study by the consultants, with input from the Council s officers. 1.5 Some difficulties were faced in carrying out the SA. First, the LDP has gone through several versions, and many policies are based on ones in the 29 version which was subsequently withdrawn: care had to be taken to ensure that each round of appraisal was consistent with earlier ones while reflecting changes in context including information on employment, the housing market, and flood risk as well as changes to the plan itself. Changes in order and numbering, drafting churn, repetition and wordiness, have added to the difficulty keeping track of material and ensuring consistency. (For clarity, this report uses the latest policy names and numbers even when referring to earlier versions which used different ones. Paragraph 8.1 should resolve any uncertainties about references.) 1.6 Second, the back-and-forth nature of the appraisal, with SA comments being actively considered and acted upon by the planning officers (a very good thing which has helped to ensure that the SA findings really have informed the LDP), also made it difficult to ensure consistency. 1.7 These two factors together mean that the process of evolution of plan policies, and of appraisal of them, has often been complex and convoluted. As the process has gone on, increasing care has been needed to show the audit trail leading to the current position without confusing and cluttering the assessment of it. The current round of documents give priority to presenting the clearest possible assessment of the LDP as it now stands at the end of the process. To this end, detailed accounts of earlier rounds of comments, suggestions and changes that are now superseded have been minimised in the main report. They are of course all still available in the public domain, either as appendices or in earlier appraisal documents. 1.8 Third, the appraisal criteria for individual candidate sites agreed between the SA and the planning teams took into account measures that developers might take to reduce any identified negative impacts. This approach is not consistent with the remainder of the SA appraisal process, which does not assume any mitigation measures, and accounts for discrepancies between the site pro formas (which include mitigation measures) and the SA appraisals (which do not). 1.9 Finally, in many cases assumptions had to be made about the type of development that would take place in response to the LDP (for instance the ratio of housing v. employment development) and the type and efficacy of measures to reduce negative impacts. Inevitably uncertainty will remain until detailed planning proposals are put forward by developers. 4

5 Significant effects of the LDP 1.1 Overall the LDP would have significant benefits in providing the housing and employment land that Cardiff's current and future residents will need. It will help to improve access to good quality jobs, services and infrastructure for Cardiff's residents, although it is unlikely to fully redress the imbalance between the 'southern arc' of deprivation and other areas of the city. Better housing, access to open space, and walking and cycling facilities should make residents health and wellbeing better than it would be without the LDP. The new development may draw in people who currently live or work in the Valleys, and so have indirect impacts on neighbouring authorities The sheer volume of development which the LDP has to provide for will inevitably result in increased total air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, use of natural resources and waste because of increased traffic, houses and employment. The LDP includes many enlightened policies to reduce these impacts. If these are fully, thoroughly and promptly implemented they could substantially reduce per capita impacts. Changes following the public Examination included welcome strengthenings of some of these. However many are still framed in terms of encouraging, supporting or investigating rather than requiring specific actions, so their effectiveness is uncertain The LDP provides for development of several major Greenfield sites amounting to about 92 hectares. The largest of these are located far from Cardiff city centre, so will increase transport impacts unless sustainable transport provision is made before occupants move in; and several would affect areas that are designated for their landscape or biodiversity importance. Even with the mitigation measures contained in the policies biodiversity and landscape quality are likely to decrease significantly. Any significant development of strategic Site H (South of St Mellons Business Park) is particularly problematic. Changes made to the LDP in response to the Sustainability Appraisal 1.13 The planning team have been open and responsive to the SA process, and the SA has resulted in many changes to the LDP which have helped to improve its sustainability: Rewording of several LDP sub-objectives and one headline objective, including division of one sub-objective into three sub-objectives to more adequately cover waste issues; and greater emphasis on healthy food choices (see Table 5.2); Stronger and more systematic consideration of sustainability issues in the process of sifting and choosing between potential candidate development sites by the planning team; Removal of a key policy that duplicated another one; 5

6 Greater emphasis to reducing the need to travel by car, making facilities accessible by walking and cycling, ensuring good public transport before remote greenfield sites are occupied, and resilience to climate change (Table 8.2); Reference to industrial and domestic sources of air pollution as well as transport pollution, and promotion of remediation of contaminated land (Table 8.3) Matters Arising Changes have now made some further improvements which the SA had recommended, notably tightening of the requirements for sustainable transport infrastructure, for delivery of the 5-5 modal split target and for consideration of renewable energy in major developments, and removal of repetition. However they have also weakened the long term environmental protection by replacing the proposed Green Belt with a Green Wedge. 6

7 2. Appraisal Methodology Legislative Requirements 2.1 Section 62(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 24 requires the Council to appraise the sustainability of the LDP and prepare a report of the findings as an integral part of the process of plan preparation. The Welsh Government Local Development Plan Manual 2 defines sustainability appraisal as a: tool for appraising policies to ensure they reflect sustainable development objectives (i.e. social, environmental and economic factors)". Sustainability appraisal helps to demonstrate that the LDP is sound by ensuring that it reflects sustainable development objectives, and contributes to the reasoned justification of policies. 2.2 Welsh Government guidance indicates that sustainability appraisal must include the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Regulations 3. The SEA Regulations transpose into Welsh law the requirements of the European Union Directive 21/42/EC (the SEA Directive) which requires formal environmental assessment during production of certain plans and programmes (including LDPs) which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. In preparing its LDP, the Council must comply with the SEA Regulations. Stages of Appraisal 2.3 This SA report updates and builds on a Scoping Report 4 which the Council produced in October 21. The Scoping Report reviewed the policy context for the LDP and described the economic, social and environmental issues affecting Cardiff. It also proposed a Sustainability Appraisal Framework of Objectives which is used in this report to assess the impacts of the LDP policies. Figure 2.1 shows the stages of the Scoping Report. 2.4 This report then considers the impacts of the LDP vision and objectives, strategic options, candidate sites, and key and detailed policies. Figure 2.2 shows the steps followed for this report. Steps B3 B5 were carried out iteratively responding to, and helping inform, successive versions of the Plan. This report is substantially based on the one published in October 212 with the LDP Preferred Strategy. 2.5 Table 2.1 shows how this report and the Scoping Report together meet the requirements of the SEA Regulations. The legal requirements for Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Cardiff LDP are fulfilled by the Scoping Report and this report, which have been prepared in 2 wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/publications/677ldpmanualen.pdf 3 Assessment of Plans and Programmes (Wales) Regulations 24, 4 Available at 7

8 accordance with the LDP Manual and the Practical Guide to Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 5 (ODPM et al 25). A1: Identifying other plans, programmes and strategies A2: Collecting baseline information A3: Identifying sustainability issues and environmental problems A4: Developing SEA and SA objectives A5: Consulting on the scope of SEA and SA Figure 2.1 Scoping stages 5 8

9 B1: Testing the Development Plan objectives against the appraisal framework B2: Developing strategic alternatives B3: Predicting the effects of the draft Development Plan, including alternatives B4: Evaluating the effects of the draft Development Plan, including alternatives B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects B6: Proposing measures to monitor the environmental effects of the draft Development Plan Figure 2.2 Appraisal and mitigation stages 9

10 Table 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS Stages of Environmental Report 1. An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, and of its relationship with other relevant plans and programmes. 2. The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme. 3. The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected. 4. Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Council Directive 79/49/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and the Habitats Directive. 5. The environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation. 6. The likely significant effects on the environment, including short, medium and long-term effects, permanent and temporary effects, positive and negative effects, and secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, on issues including (a) biodiversity; (b) population; (c) human health; (d) fauna; (e) flora; (f) soil; (g) water; (h) air; (i) climatic factors; (j) material assets; (k) cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological heritage; (l) landscape; and (m) the inter-relationship between the issues referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (l). 7. The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme. 8. An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties encountered in compiling the required information. 9. A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with regulation A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 9. Where covered Chapter 3 Chapter 4, Appendix B Chapter 4, Appendix B Chapter 4, Appendix B Chapter 4, Appendix A Chapter 5 (LDP vision and objectives) Chapter 6 (LDP options) Chapter 7 (candidate sites) Chapter 8 (key and detailed policies) Chapter 9 (overall impacts of the LDP) Chapter 6 (LDP options) Chapter 7 (candidate sites) The site pro formas give more detailed information on the impacts of each candidate site. The LDP gives more details on the reasons for the choice of preferred options. Chapter 1 Separate non-technical summary 1

11 3. The Local Development Plan 3.1 The LDP sets out: the key trends and issues that have informed the Plan, which were identified through preparation of the SA/SEA Scoping Report and a review of social, economic and environmental information; the national, regional and local policy context; the Council s vision for future development of Cardiff with seven desired strategic outcomes, and its objectives for delivering sustainable development and addressing the key trends and issues identified; the strategic growth options that the Council has considered in determining its Preferred Strategy; the strategic sites and alternatives that the Council has considered; the overall Strategy to deliver the Plan vision and objectives; and key and detailed policies for implementing the Strategy. LDP vision and outcomes 3.2 The 1 year Integrated Partnership Strategy, Cardiff: What Matters (21 22), combines the Community Strategy (which provided the vision for the previous withdrawn LDP), Children & Young People's Plan; Health Social Care & Wellbeing Strategy and the Community Safety Strategic Assessment programmes into one consolidated document. This Strategy provides an overarching strategic framework and the Vision for the LDP. Cardiff is a fair, just inclusive society People in Cardiff are healthy People in Cardiff have a clean, attractive and sustainable environment 3.3 That vision is By 22 Cardiff will be a world class European capital city with an exceptional quality of life and at the heart of a thriving region. The Vision will be realised through seven outcomes, shown at Figure 3.1. Cardiff is a great place to live, work and play People in Cardiff achieve their full potential A World Class, Quality of Life Capital Cardiff has a thriving and prosperous economy Figure 3.1 LDP vision and outcomes People in Cardiff are safe and feel safe 11

12 LDP objectives 3.4 The LDP's objectives are: 1. To respond to evidenced economic needs and provide the necessary infrastructure to deliver development a. To effectively respond to Cardiff s role as capital city for Wales, seat of the National Government and centre of the city-region in terms of providing a range and choice of economic opportunities that will drive the prosperity of the region b. To maximise the economic potential of the city centre of Cardiff as a major financial and service sector opportunity that builds upon its position next to a transport hub of national and regional significance and is readily accessible from all areas within the city and well connected to other UK cities c. To maintain and enhance the vitality, attractiveness and viability of the city centre as a major retail and cultural destination and as a place to work, visit and live d. To continue the successful regeneration of the Cardiff Bay area, maximising opportunities for quality commercial buildings and further development, particularly water and river frontage developments that can provide attractive and distinctive environments e. To promote clusters of specialist sectors and research & development expertise including the following key sectors: ICT, energy and environment, advanced materials and manufacturing, creative industries, life sciences, financial and professional services f. To ensure a range and choice of employment land and business premises at sustainable locations across the city is provided to assist economic competiveness, encourage entrepreneurship, promote the growth of indigenous businesses of all types and size and attract inward investment g. To assist the promotion of Cardiff as a major tourist destination including the provision of the development of a variety of high quality tourist facilities and visitor accommodation h. To create a physical and economic environment that develops, attracts and retains skilled workers, businesses and entrepreneurs to Cardiff together with maximising links with Universities and supporting indigenous skills and enterprises i. To quantify critical strategic infrastructure required to realise development aspirations and set out clear mechanisms for delivery including sustainable transport solutions for strategic sites j. To establish Cardiff as a sustainable travel city by reducing the need to travel, increasing the use of sustainable travel modes and networks (particularly walking and cycling), decreasing private car use and improving the city s key transport hub based at the adjacent central bus and train stations k. To protect existing mineral resources and ensure an adequate supply of limestone aggregates in the north west of the city for the construction industry and to promote their efficient and appropriate usage, including the use of recycled aggregates where possible l. To support sustainable collection and recycling methods for Municipal Waste by maintaining and improving an integrated network of facilities in Cardiff m. To lead and participate in securing regional facilities for the sustainable treatment and disposal of Municipal Waste in accordance with the Regional Waste Plan and in a manner that follows the waste hierarchy which seeks to maximise the reduction of waste in the first place and thereafter reusing, recovering and recycling options before the disposal of waste material is considered n. To facilitate an integrated network of commercial and industrial sustainable waste management facilities consistent with the needs of the south east Wales area and in a 12

13 manner that follows the waste hierarchy which seeks to maximise the reduction of waste in the first place and thereafter reusing, recovering and recycling options before the disposal of waste material is considered 2. To respond to evidenced social needs a. To provide new homes required to support the economic progression of the city and to respond to population change, continued in-migration and evidenced demand for affordable and family housing so that social needs can be addressed b. To provide a range and choice of new homes of different tenure, type and location that meets specific needs such as the provision of affordable housing, family accommodation, housing for the elderly, the disabled and students and pitches for the gypsy and traveller community c. To maximise the use of the existing building stock through refurbishment, retro-fitting and empty homes initiatives d. To bring about changes to Cardiff s environment and neighbourhoods that help to tackle health inequalities, promote good health and enable healthier lifestyles to be led by the city s population in line with Cardiff s status as a World Health Organisation, Healthy City e. To bring about changes to Cardiff s environment that create a safer city and reduce the likelihood, fear and consequences of crime f. To create an environment that is made more accessible to all groups in society so that the employment opportunities, facilities and services of the city can be more readily used and enjoyed by all g. To maximise the multi-functional role played by Cardiff s parks, open spaces and allotments together with improving their accessibility for the whole community h. To recognise, support and enhance the key role played by existing District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres as accessible local hubs providing community services, local shops, healthy food choices, businesses, employment and access to public transport i. To support the regeneration of local neighbourhoods including reducing inequalities, particularly areas experiencing high levels of deprivation, areas vulnerable to decline and areas with opportunities for change j. To ensure that the necessary education and training facilities are provided and are accessible to all: to build strong futures for children, provide a diverse range of learning opportunities for all and assist economic progress through the development of required skills k. To develop new cultural, leisure and sporting facilities to meet needs and enhance Cardiff s role as a premier cultural and sporting destination l. To ensure that the necessary community and cultural facilities (community centres, shops with healthy food choices, youth facilities, child care, faith buildings, health centres etc) are provided that are accessible to all, especially in areas that are deprived m. To address rising unemployment and provide accessible local job opportunities, particularly in areas of greatest need n. To promote social inclusion equality of opportunity and access for all 3. To deliver economic and social needs in a co-ordinated way that respects Cardiff s environment and responds to the challenges of climate change a. To mitigate the effects of climate change through reducing energy demand and increasing the supply of renewable energy b. To ensure that Cardiff adapts to the full anticipated impacts of climate change and that new development and infrastructure is designed to be resilient to possible consequences 13

14 c. To protect, manage and enhance Cardiff s natural environmental assets, including: The parks, open spaces and allotments in the city that are highly valued by local communities and an important component of Cardiff s quality of life; The strategically important river valleys of the Ely, Taff, Nant Fawr and Rhymney that link the city to the countryside and provide a valuable recreational, biodiversity and amenity resource; Cardiff s countryside, particularly its areas of high landscape value and the coast that provide an important setting to the urban area, provide an agricultural resource and opportunity for recreation; The city s biodiversity, its internationally, nationally and locally designated sites, wildlife habitats and features that contain important species and networks that link together areas of value; Natural resources including geodiversity, the best soils, water and air quality including the reduction of pollution; and The role that vegetation plays in combating climate change by providing shading, cooling and carbon sinks d. To conserve and enhance Cardiff s built and historic assets that define distinctive character and reflect its past development including: The city s 27 Conservation Areas; Its Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments; Registered Historic Landscapes and areas of archaeological importance; and Other valued public places and spaces, including parks and amenity spaces, that provide local distinctiveness e. In identifying new sites to meet economic/social needs, to follow a sequence of firstly maximising the contribution of brownfield sites, then identifying greenfield sites that are considered to represent the most appropriate and sustainable locations to accommodate new development f. To have full regard to flood risk when considering the acceptability of development proposals and considering mitigation and adaptation measures g. To maximise opportunities to create a cleaner and more attractive environment that enhances the quality of life and helps Cardiff to become a world-class European capital city 4. To create sustainable neighbourhoods that form part of a sustainable city a. To ensure that all new development areas (whether greenfield or brownfield) create sustainable neighbourhoods that follow the following principles: 1. Minimise energy demand and maximise renewable solutions- to deliver more energy-efficient neighbourhoods that utilise existing best practice and embrace new renewable technologies and concepts; 2. Minimise car travel, maximise sustainable transport use and decrease air pollution by creating accessible, permeable and legible places, preventing predominantly car-based developments and focusing new development in accessible locations which are linked to the strategic cycle network and can be served mainly by effective networks of sustainable transport- walking and cycling and fast and frequent public transport around and beyond the city; 3. Maximise recycling- to optimise the overall value of waste as a resource, to effectively plan for how new developments can sort and store waste for collection for onward productive use and minimise material needing treatment and final landfill; 14

15 4. Minimise water usage and maximise sustainable drainage- to carefully manage the consumption and drainage of water to avoid unnecessary wastage and minimise rapid run-off. To seek opportunities to maximise the positive amenity and biodiversity benefits that sustainable drainage solutions can offer; 5. Maximise the early provision of a full range of social facilities and community infrastructure- to provide the full range of necessary facilities that are accessible to all members of society and can be reached within a 15 minute walk. To include the range of social, health, leisure, education necessary for the scale of development proposed and also taking into account other needs within the wider locality; 6. Maximise the additional benefits that new communities can bring to adjoining or surrounding existing communities and minimise any potential negative impacts- to carefully identify positive contributions that can be made and involve local communities in this process; 7. Maximise the diversity of land uses within new development areas- to create more balanced communities offering non-car based options to fully participate in community life. To ensure a range and choice of housing tenures together with local employment opportunities and the full range of community infrastructure; 8. Maximise the contribution of networks of multi-functional and connected open spaces to strategically design networks of open space that are rich in biodiversity and provide safe routes between key locations to encourage healthier lifestyles through promoting walking and cycling. To further encourage healthy lifestyles by providing allotments together with the wider promotion of healthy eating; 9. Maximise the principles of good design- to create places that look good, are of an appropriate and efficient density, fully respect their local context and are successfully integrated with adjoining areas. To design buildings that are resilient and can easily adapt to changing future needs. To design clean and attractive areas where people feel safe and have a sense of ownership; and 1. Maximise community involvement in the planning, design and future management/maintenance of new neighbourhoods. To use the master planning process to establish robust design principles but to also recognise the need to allow some flexibility and managed capacity for change, particularly in larger development areas. b. To take opportunities to apply the above principles to existing neighbourhoods in order to create a more sustainable city LDP key diagram 3.5 The LDP key diagram is at Figure 3.2. The LDP is also supported by a range of technical papers, of which this Sustainability Appraisal is one. 15

16 Figure 3.2 LDP key diagram 16

17 4. Sustainability Context, Baseline and Objectives 4.1 This section summaries and updates the main findings of the Scoping Report (see Figure 2.1), and says how the LDP has taken these findings into account. Identifying other plans, programmes and strategies (Task A1) an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan and relationship with other relevant plans and programmes (SEA Directive Annex I(a)) the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation (SEA Directive Annex I(e)) 4.2 The Scoping Report's analysis of policies, plans, programmes and strategies relevant to the LDP included: an explanation of the methodology used; a list of the documents reviewed; and how the LDP accords with the guidance and regulations. 4.3 Since the Scoping Report was published in 21, the following significant policy changes have occurred: Planning Policy Wales (Edition 5, November 212) consolidates previous changes and gives strong and detailed emphasis to climate change (both reduction and adaptation); Technical Advice Note 22: Sustainable Buildings (Welsh Assembly Government 21) provides guidance and advice on sustainable buildings, standards of assessment and design solutions, including for low carbon buildings; One Wales: One Planet (211), Welsh Government Discussion Paper, signals the government's intention to legislate to give more impetus and leverage to accelerate progress toward sustainable development; Consultation on a Sustainable Development Bill (consultation on a White Paper with implementation proposals closed in March 213) would make sustainable development the central organising principle of the Welsh Government and most public bodies in Wales; National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales (Welsh Government November 211) sets out the framework for Risk Management Authorities to allow them to deliver their flood and coastal risk management functions; Energy Wales: A Low Carbon Transition (Welsh Government 212) states the Welsh Government s commitment to create a sustainable, low carbon economy for Wales featuring low carbon energy and energy efficiency; City Regions Final Report (Welsh Government, May 212) recommends recognising a South East Wales (ie Cardiff centred) city region, with an overarching city region strategic planning tier; 17

18 Cardiff: What Matters 21:22 combines four previous strategies into one with clear quality of life and environmental outcome goals; Cardiff Municipal Waste Management Strategy describes how waste will be collected and processed to meet ambitious targets for reuse, recycling and composting. 4.4 Appendix A shows the full, updated policy analysis. Table 4.1 summarises, by topic, the key aims of the policy documents reviewed, how the LDP could assist in delivering these aims, and to what extent these considerations have been taken into account during its preparation. Collecting baseline information (Task A2) The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan (SEA Directive Annex I(b and c)) 4.5 Section 3 of the Scoping Report sets out how baseline information about Cardiff was collected, and a list of the indicators that will be used to monitor change over time. This has been updated in Appendix B. The main changes between October 21 and August 212 were: The recession has dampened house prices more than earnings, making housing more affordable than a few years ago (measured by the ratio of average earnings to average house price); Two of Cardiff s four Air Quality Management Areas have improved enough to be discontinued, but a new third one had to be added in 21; Traffic in Cardiff is continuing to decline gently; Domestic energy use is slowly decreasing; Greenhouse gas emissions are therefore probably slowly declining too, though post-21 direct data is not available; Almost all new housing has been on brownfield land; The city s population and number of households continues to grow; Domestic waste reuse, recycling and composting performance has continued to improve strongly: Cardiff has now overtaken the Wales average. 4.6 Between October 212 and August 213 the Council commissioned further research which indicated population growth and housing demand was likely to be lower than previously estimated. The research and its implications for the LDP are explained at in the Deposit LDP and paras in this report. 18

19 Table 4.1 Key messages of policy review SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Access and equality Policy aims: Ensure that everyone has access to good quality housing sufficient for their needs, employment, shopping, education, training, health, community, leisure and sports facilities and open and green space. Secure a safer and more accessible environment for everyone. Promote social inclusion and equality of opportunity. How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Foster improvements to transport facilities and services which maintain or improve accessibility to services and facilities, secure employment, economic and environmental objectives, and improve safety and amenity. Promote mixed use developments. Ensure new development is located and designed to provide attractive, accessible, safe, secure and sustainable environments for everyone including people with special access requirements and those who do not have access to a private car. Promote and safeguard opportunities for improved public transport and measures to assist pedestrians and cyclists. Objectives The LDP contains objectives under Respond to evidenced social needs including objectives on: Social and affordable housing Creating an environment and services that are accessible to all Maximising early provision of full range of social facilities and community infrastructure within a 15 minute walk Maximising access to parks and open spaces Ensuring accessibility of necessary educational facilities for all Creating a safer city Policies KP1 aims to ensure sufficient housing is built. KP2 and H1 designate sites. The masterplanning principles (KP4) and their application to strategic sites (KP2) aim to maximise accessibility to services and facilities, and provide alternatives to car travel. KP5 promotes sustainable design including attractive, accessible, safe, secure and sustainable environments. KP6 aims to provide social infrastructure for new development KP13 supports sustainable neighbourhoods and aims to secure social provision in new development The housing policies H2, H4, H5 and H6 govern conversions to and from residential use. H3 sets targets for affordable housing. H7 makes provision for gypsies and travellers. R1 to R8 aim to provide accessible retail at appropriate levels including neighbourhood and local centres C1 seeks provision of community facilities in new development C7 seeks provision of schools to meet needs 19

20 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Air Quality Policy aims: Take account of the effects of development upon air quality and vice versa, and meet mandatory standards for air quality. How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Include policies on the location of potentially polluting developments, make provision for types of development that may cause pollution and separate incompatible land uses. Locate development so as to minimise travel demand, particularly by cars and other motor vehicles, and where it is accessible by a range of forms of travel/transport, including walking, cycling, use of public transport and alternatives to movement of freight by road. Objectives The LDP aims: To protect, manage and enhance Cardiff s natural environmental assets, including: - Natural resources including geodiversity, the best soils, water and air quality including the reduction of pollution; To decrease air pollution.by preventing predominantly car-based developments and focusing on accessibility of locations to sustainable transport networks. Policies KP5 promotes sustainable design including minimising emissions. The transport policies KP8 and T1-T9 aim to provide alternatives to car travel EN13 opposes development that would cause unacceptable pollution. Biodiversity, flora and fauna Policy aims: Protect and enhance biodiversity, natural habitats and wild fauna and flora, including: International, national and local designated sites; and Protected species and species and habitat types identified as priorities for biological conservation. How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Include detailed policies for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of international, national and local designated sites, reflecting their relative significance. Undertake Appropriate Assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive (1.7) to assess the implications of the plan for European sites (including any in neighbouring authorities) whose integrity may be adversely affected by the plan. Provide for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of biodiversity outside statutorily designated sites, in particular identifying opportunities to conserve important local habitats and species, and to safeguard and manage landscape features of major importance for nature conservation. Objectives The LDP also includes objectives: To protect city s natural environmental assets, including local, national and internationally important nature sites To provide, manage and enhance networks that link areas of value Policies KP3a, KP3b and EN1 aim to protect the countryside from non essential development. EN5 protects locally designated sites of nature conservation importance. EN6 protects ecological networks and features of importance for biodiversity EN7 protects priority habitats and species EN8 protects trees, woodlands and hedgerows 2

21 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Climate change Policy aims: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year except for heavy industry and power generation, with overall reductions of at least 4% by 22 Plan for and respond to climate changes already underway Minimise the risk to people and property from flooding How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Promote energy efficiency and renewable methods of energy production Promote other measures that mitigate the causes of climate change (e.g. the protection/enhancement of carbon sinks) Ensure that the location and design of new development has regard to the potential risk, causes and consequences of flooding Ensure that existing communities, infrastructure and other assets (including those alongside new developments) are considered with regard to potential risk, causes and consequences of flooding. Consider additional flood risk assessments, mapping and related responsibilities that are emerging as the result of recent legislation Locate and design development so as to minimise travel demand, particular by motor vehicles, and promote accessibility by a range of forms of transport Promote mixed use development Promote opportunities to benefit from climate change, e.g. tourism-related development, outdoor recreation Objectives The LDP has objectives: To mitigate and adapt to the causes and consequences of climate change through reduced energy demand and increasing the supply of renewable energy To have full regard to flood risk Policies KP3a and KP3b aim to keep development within settlement boundaries, reducing the need for travel. The masterplans for strategic sites (KP2) seek to provide sustainable transport options for the new greenfield sites. KP5 promotes sustainable design including minimising emissions. The transport policies KP8 and T1-T9 aim to provide alternatives to car travel KP15 says development should take into account reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency and renewables, adaptation and avoidance of unnecessary flood risk. EN12 promotes renewable energy and low carbon approaches. EN14 opposes development with unacceptable flood risk, or that would increase flood risk. 21

22 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Cultural Heritage & the Historic Environment Economy Policy aims: Protect the historic environment and cultural heritage and foster local diversity. Strengthen Wales cultural identity and have regard to the needs of the Welsh language. Enhance Cardiff s status as a centre of cultural excellence, particularly for the arts, sport and leisure, and realise its potential to become a world-class European Capital City, delivering for Wales as the cultural driver of an internationally competitive city region. How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Include policies for the protection and enhancement of sites of archaeological interest and their settings, listed buildings, conservation areas and historic parks and gardens, identifying the factors to be taken into account in assessing planning applications. Promote development for cultural purposes. Promote good design that respects Cardiff s local distinctiveness. Policy aims Promote Cardiff's role as a world-class Capital City and the economic and cultural driver for Wales by developing a diverse, competitive, high added value economy Enhance employment opportunities for all Ensure that development for enterprise and employment uses is in line with sustainability principles and respects the environment Secure accessible, efficient and competitive retail provision and support town centres How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Ensure that there is a sufficient range and choice of land allocated for economic development and employment purposes in accessible locations Improve access to employment opportunities particularly for deprived communities Support the vitality, attractiveness and viability of centres, and regeneration of deprived areas Allocate sites for new retail, leisure and other uses best located in town centres where there is assessed need, using the sequential approach Objectives The LDP aims: To conserve and enhance Cardiff s built and historic assets that define distinctive character and reflect its past development including: The city s 27 Conservation Areas; Its Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments; Registered Historic Landscapes and areas of archaeological importance; and Other valued public places and spaces, including parks and amenity spaces, that provide local distinctiveness To develop new cultural, leisure and sporting facilities to enhance Cardiff s role as a premier cultural and sporting destination Policies KP17 aims to protect the city s built heritage. EN9 conserves the historic environment. Objectives The LDP includes a suite of objectives under Respond to evidenced economic needs aimed at meeting the economic needs of the city and helping to stimulate greater economic activity. Individual objectives aim: To maximise the economic potential of the city centre To create a physical and economic environment that develops, attracts and retains skilled workers To ensure adequate infrastructure is in place to support sustainable economic development. Policies KP1 and KP9 aim to provide for enough new jobs. The strategic sites in KP2 aim to provide land for economic needs, including supporting continued regeneration of the Bay area KP1 supports development in the Central and Bay Business Areas EC1-5 aim to keep land for economic uses as appropriate 22

23 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Health & Well- Objectives Being Policy aims Improve health and well-being, and tackle poverty and health inequalities Increase participation in sport and physical activity Provide adequate, attractive, multi-use open space to support the above aims Ensure that everyone has good quality housing sufficient for their needs, and good access to employment, the full range of services and facilities, and open space Improve quality of life and enable social progress for everyone How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Ensure new development is located and designed to provide attractive, accessible, safe and sustainable environments Help to implement the standards set in TAN16 (open space) and Cardiff allotments strategy Promote walking, cycling and public transport Promote access to and enjoyment of the countryside, coastline and river valleys Ensure that new development has regard to the potential causes, risks and consequences of flooding, contaminated land, odour, air and water pollution, and noise The Preferred strategy includes objectives: To regenerate local neighbourhoods To reduce deprivation and inequalities and provide open space for recreation To ensure the provision of housing and health care To tackle health inequalities and promote good health Policies The masterplanning principles (KP4) and their application to strategic sites (KP2) aim to maximise accessibility to services and facilities, and provide alternatives to car travel. KP5 promotes sustainable design including attractive, accessible, safe, secure and sustainable environments. KP6 aims to provide social infrastructure for new development. KP13 supports sustainable neighbourhoods and aims to secure social provision in new development KP14 aims to reduce health inequalities and promote healthy living including active travel. EN13 opposes development that would cause unacceptable pollution. C3 promotes safe environments. C4 protects open space and C5 seeks new provision. C4 defines levels of provision for children s play in new developments. 23

24 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Landscape Policy aims Protect and enhance the landscape, including the countryside, the undeveloped coast, river valleys and other green spaces. How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Include policies to protect the countryside, undeveloped coast and river valleys from inappropriate development Include policies to protect the quality and character of the landscape and townscape, and provide guidance on design, access, density, off-street parking and open space provision Avoid development of greenfield sites where possible and appropriate, by giving preference to the re-use of suitable previously developed land Promote good design and public art Objectives The Preferred strategy has objectives: To conserve and enhance historic landscapes and Cardiff s 4 Strategically Important River Valleys To protect, manage and enhance Cardiff s countryside, particularly its areas of high landscape value and the coast Policies KP16, EN3 and EN4 aim to protect the city s landscape assets. EN1 aims to protect the countryside from inessential development. 24

25 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Natural resources Policy aims Minimise the use of non-renewable resources and, where necessary, use them efficiently, and encourage the use of renewal resources Conserve and, where possible, enhance the countryside and its resources, including the best and most versatile agricultural land Promote urban regeneration and the re-use of previously developed land Promote increased efficiency and demand management of water resources Minimise adverse impacts on water quality, the ecology of rivers and on groundwater Safeguard mineral resources from sterilisation and encourage their efficient and appropriate How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Avoid development of greenfield sites where possible and appropriate, by giving preference to the re-use of suitable previously developed land Give considerable weight to protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land Plan new development in discussions with water and wastewater companies and the Environment Agency Wales, to ensure that water resources are adequate and water quality is maintained Promote energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the production of renewable energy Safeguard mineral resources from sterilisation, provide minerals in line with Cardiff's minerals apportionment, and encourage efficient and appropriate use of minerals and the re-use and recycling of suitable materials efficient and appropriate use of minerals and the re-use and recycling of suitable materials encourage efficient and appropriate use of minerals and the re-use and recycling of suitable materials Promote and facilitate the re-use and re-cycling of waste Objectives The Preferred Strategy includes objectives: To conserve, manage and enhance Cardiff s natural resources including geodiversity, the best soils, water and air quality To protect existing mineral resources Policies KP18 aims to protect Cardiff s natural resources. EN1 promotes sustainable water management. EN11 protects water resources The minerals policies M1-M8 define how mineral reserves should be maintained for the future. 25

26 SA/SEA topic Policy aims and how the LDP might support them Considerations included in the LDP Population Policy aims Provide for an adequate and continuous supply of land, available and suitable for development to meet society s needs including homes, infrastructure, investment and jobs - in a way that is consistent with sustainability objectives. Ensure that everyone has good quality housing sufficient for their needs and access to employment, shopping, education, training, health, community, leisure and sports facilities and open and green space. Objectives The Preferred Strategy includes objectives on housing and employment needs to provide for anticipated trends in population growth. Policies The policies listed under access and equality and economy constitute the LDP s response to projected population growth. Waste How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Identify requirements for market and affordable housing, taking into account household projections Allocate land for housing, favouring the re-use of previously developed land and buildings within settlements before settlement extensions and new development around settlements with good public transport links Include policies for affordable and special needs housing (including Gypsies and Travellers) where there is identified need Indicate where developer contributions and/or community infrastructure levies will be expected towards infrastructure, facilities (including open space) and affordable housing Policy aims Promote the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover energy and only then landfill Meet targets set by European and national legislation Manage waste without endangering human health and the environment How the LDP might assist in delivering policy aims: Ensure that waste management infrastructure is adequate to accommodate proposed development while minimising adverse impacts on health, the environment and communities Identify sites for waste management facilities or areas where such facilities may be suitable Incorporate adequate and effective waste management facilities in new developments Objectives The LDP includes objectives to: Support the waste hierarchy Support sustainable collection and recycling methods Ensure the provision of waste facilities Promote resource efficiency in new developments and neighbourhood regeneration projects Facilitate an integrated network of waste management with the needs of south east Wales Policies KP12 supports sustainable waste treatment facilities following the waste hierarchy. Sustainable waste collection will be supported in all new developments, as will waste minimisation and the provision of facilities that use recycled or composted products. W1 specifies provision for waste management facilities. W2 calls for provision for waste handling in development. 26

27 4.7 Appendix B shows how the indicators perform when compared to local, regional or national targets. Alternatively, where comparators are not available, historical trends are used to show how an indicator is performing. An explanation is also given of the quality of the data: for example an indicator that uses good quality local data will carry more weight than an indicator that uses national data as a proxy source. 4.8 Figure 4.1 summarises the key constraints to development in Cardiff. Figure 4.1 Constraints to development 27

28 Identifying sustainability issues and environmental problems (Task A3) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/49/EEC and 92/43/EEC (SEA Directive Annex I(d)) 4.9 Section 4 of the Scoping Report set out the key issues affecting Cardiff and the methodology used to identify them. Table 4.2 summarises the main sustainability issues affecting Cardiff. Some of the key problems are in the 'southern arc' of deprivation: Figure 4.2 shows the Index of Multiple Deprivation 211, and Cardiff's 'southern arc' of deprivation. Figure 4.2 Index of Multiple Deprivation 211 and 'southern arc' of deprivation 28

29 Table 4.2 Sustainability issues affecting Cardiff 1. Access and equality Cardiff contains some of the most deprived areas in Wales - geographically there is a concentration of deprivation in the southern arc although hotspots exist elsewhere. The cost of housing - particularly family housing - is excluding those on low incomes from entering the housing market. Cardiff has a significant number of homeless people. At a city-wide scale Cardiff has good levels of access for key services (GPs, schools, libraries, leisure centres etc). However access deficiencies exist at the local level. The educational, training and skill base of Cardiff s population varies significantly. 2. Air quality There are currently three air quality management areas in Cardiff based on nitrogen oxide levels. There were four in 26, this went down to two and then a third AQMA was designated in December 21. Levels of other air pollutants are within current standards. 3. Biodiversity, flora and fauna Cardiff has a wide range of sites designated for their biodiversity value including the Severn Estuary and Cardiff Beech Woods European sites. The Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dormouse and Bats are European protected species which are known to exist in Cardiff. Targets have been set for maintaining and enhancing the range, size/population, and condition of many vulnerable habitats and species. Cardiff s biodiversity resource is vulnerable to new developments and land management practices which could result in habitat loss and fragmentation. 4. Climate change Carbon dioxide emissions are now reducing after decades of continuing growth, although the reduction is probably largely due to the economic recession and to importing rather than making more goods. The Welsh Government (WG) has set challenging new greenhouse gas emission targets. Traffic flows into and within the city centre are decreasing, but those outside the city centre are increasing. Cardiff is a major attractor of in-commuters from other parts of South East Wales. Traffic management is a consistently high priority for Cardiff's residents, based on the Ask Cardiff surveys. Energy use in buildings is responsible for about one-third of Cardiff s greenhouse gas emissions. WG policies will require buildings to become more energy efficient. Cardiff is subject to a significant threat of flooding due to its low lying nature. The Wentloog levels, Taff at Morganstown, Taff/Ely area, North East Cardiff and the Bay area to Pengam Green are at particular risk of flooding. Little renewable energy is currently being produced in Cardiff. 5. Cultural heritage and the historic environment Cardiff contains a wide range of areas, buildings and monuments with historic value designated at both a statutory national and local level. In 21, slightly over 3% of listed buildings were not in a favourable condition. Cardiff s cultural and historic attractions, including important historic landscape areas, attract large numbers of visitors each year and perform an important national / regional role. Cardiff should promote and facilitate a wider range of cultural and sporting facilities for economic and 29

30 quality of life reasons. 6. Economy Attracting and retaining jobs is a consistently high concern for Cardiff's residents. Commuting patterns into Cardiff demonstrate the city s importance to the regional economy and the Wales Spatial Plan acknowledges that maintaining Cardiff s performance is vital for the economic well-being of the region and Wales as a whole. Cardiff experienced strong jobs growth and growth in Gross Value Added in the decade to 28, significantly higher than the Welsh and UK average. Employment has since dropped as a result of the economic recession, and Cardiff struggles to match its employment growth with a growth in pay. Cardiff's workforce is polarised between the more highly qualified and low or unskilled workers; there are significant concentrations of unemployment in parts of the city. The Community Strategy emphasises the need to support small businesses and local enterprise. Significant areas of employment land have changed to other uses (notably housing) in recent decades as a result of changing employment patterns and market conditions. Innovative solutions to Cardiff's congestion and parking problems are needed - e.g. rapid transit or light rail, park and ride, improved parking enforcement as well as improved access to Cardiff International Airport. Various policies promote high value, low carbon jobs for Cardiff; links between the universities and businesses; and support for the creative industry. 7. Health and well-being Community safety is the top issue raised in successive Ask Cardiff surveys. Crime levels in Cardiff have remained broadly steady over time. The health of Cardiff s population is generally slightly better than the Welsh average but getting slightly worse over time. Over half of Cardiff s adults are clinically overweight or obese, less than a third meet recommended physical activity guidelines (the worst of the Welsh authorities), and this is worsening over time. There has been a steady decline in traffic accidents. Life expectancy and crime levels vary sharply across the city, with the worst wards being in the 'southern arc' of deprivation. There is a more than 1 year difference between the best and the worst wards in terms of life expectancy. 8. Landscape Cardiff's setting is very distinctive with the ridge to the north (the Garth, Caerphilly Mountain and Graig Llanishen), Leckwith escarpment to the west, low-lying Gwent Levels to the east, Severn Estuary to the South, and three river valleys running through the City. The Cardiff Landscape Study has proposed five areas as Special Landscape Areas. More than two-thirds of Cardiff's area is within easy walking distance to natural green spaces, but only two out of Cardiff's 29 wards meet the nationally recommended open space targets. The most central wards fare the worst. Open spaces are important because they improve people's mental and physical health, encourage physical activity, are attractive, support biodiversity, act as a carbon sink, and can help to adapt to climate change. Cardiff s landscape qualities are vulnerable to insensitive new development and land management practices. 3

31 9. Natural resources In recent years almost all new housing has been built on brownfield land. Much has been apartments, relatively little family housing. Cardiff's industrial past has left a legacy of many potentially contaminated sites. These are being remediated as they are redeveloped. Good quality agricultural land is known to exist within Cardiff but no survey has been undertaken using the latest agricultural land classification. Cardiff's allotments are important for people's health and food security, but they are already oversubscribed, and many more will be needed. Cardiff has significant, good quality mineral reserves (mainly limestone) which are an important source of aggregates for the region; however dredging from the Estuary has potential erosion impacts. Water quality in the rivers Taff, Ely and Rhymney is improving, but is far from achieving the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. The groundwater around Taff Gorge / Creigiau area is vulnerable. Abstraction from the Rivers Usk and Wye is a concern, and this will be exacerbated by population growth and climate change. 1. Population Cardiff s population has increased steadily over the past 2 years (by about 4 people per year) but much more rapidly since 21 (about 2,4 per year). Welsh Government projections indicate that the number of households in Cardiff will increase by more than 32% between 26 and 226, from 132,18 to 174,471 households. This is driven partly by inmigration, and partly by a decline in married couples and an increase in one person households, lone parents and cohabiting couples. Research commissioned by the Council in early 213 suggests that growth may be slower than previously projected. However, providing an appropriate range and choice of housing for this population growth in a sustainable way (including services and infrastructure) remains the key sustainability issue raised by Cardiff's planners. Cardiff has a higher proportion of young adults and ethnic minorities, and a lower proportion of older age groups, compared to the national average. 11. Waste Street cleaning, litter and recycling are consistently high priorities for Cardiff's residents, based on the Ask Cardiff survey. Construction/demolition waste is the largest contributor to the waste stream, followed by commercial/industrial and municipal (household) waste. Municipal waste production has dropped sharply in the last five years, and the proportion of that waste that is recycled and composted grew from 3% to 49% between 21 and

32 Developing SEA and SA objectives (Task A4) the environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation (SEA Directive Annex I(e)) 4.1 Section 5 of the Scoping Report sets out the sustainability appraisal framework and the methodology used to develop it. The framework consists of 11 objectives and related sub-objectives and indicators. The sub-objectives provide further information on how to interpret the headline objectives and are designed to guide the assessment. The indicators will show changes on the ground once the LDP is implemented. Table 4.3 shows the sustainability objectives, sub-objectives and indicators. Consulting on the scope of SEA and SA (Task A5) 4.11 Consultation on the Scoping Report took place from 1 November to 6 December 21. Comments were received from 14 consultees - a variety of stakeholders, statutory consultees and individuals. Appendix C shows the full list of comments. The consultees mostly suggested minor amendments to the Scoping Report and associated appendices (mainly additions to the policy review or baseline data); or else their comments were directed at the LDP rather than at the SA. Amendments to the SA were made where appropriate. Where, instead, the comments related to LDP issues, then these were noted and passed onto the LDP Team for consideration as part of the preparation of the LDP. 32

33 Table 4.3 Sustainability appraisal framework for Cardiff Sustainability objective Sub Objective: Will the LDP strategic option, objective, strategy, policy or allocation 1. Help deliver 1.a Address existing imbalances of inequality, deprivation and equality of exclusion opportunity and 1.b Improve access to education, life-long learning and training access for all opportunities 1.c Improve accessibility to affordable housing and employment opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged sections of society 1.d Improve access to community facilities and services 2. Maintain and improve air quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 1.e Secure a more accessible environment 2.a Reduce the need to travel through the location and design of new development, provision of public transport infrastructure and promotion of cycling and walking 2.b Avoid locating new development where air quality could negatively impact upon peoples health 3.a Maintain and achieve favourable condition of international and national sites of nature conservation importance (SACs, SPAs and SSSIs) 3.b Maintain extent and enhance the quality of locally designated sites (LNRs and SNCIs) and LBAP priority habitats 3.c Protect and enhance protected species and LBAP priority species 3.d Maintain and enhance connectivity of corridors of seminatural habitats 3.e Provide opportunities for people to experience wildlife and habitats Indicators 1.1 Number and percentage of Cardiff s lower super output areas in the most deprived 1% lower super output areas for Wales 1.2 Average house price compared to average annual salary 1.3 Number and percent of domestic units that are provided for affordable housing per year 1.4 The number of homelessness presentations received by Cardiff Council per 1 households annually 1.5 Percentage of population of a working age qualified to NVQ level 4+ or equivalent 2.1 Number of air quality management areas 3.1 Number and extent (in hectares) of designated sites of importance (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs, LNRs and SNCIs) 3.2 Area (in hectares) of ancient woodland cover 3.3 Total extent (in hectares) of LBAP priority habitats 3.4 Percentage of features of internationally and nationally designated sites in favourable condition (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs) 33

34 Sustainability objective 4 Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage Sub Objective: Will the LDP strategic option, objective, strategy, policy or allocation 4.a Support energy conservation and energy efficient design 4.b Promote renewable energy generation 4.c Promote efficient land use patterns that minimise the need to travel 4.d Promote sustainable modes of transport and integrated transport systems 4.e Ensure that a precautionary approach is applied, and ensure that the location and design of new development manages the potential risks and consequences of flooding down to an acceptable level. 4.f Promote sustainable drainage systems in new development 4.g Reduce vulnerability of the built environment to the effects of climate change 5.a Protect and enhance historic and cultural assets including scheduled ancient monuments, listed buildings, historic parks and gardens, historic landscapes and conservation areas 5.b Encourage access to the historic and cultural heritage 5.c Support local character and distinctiveness through good design Indicators 4.1 Annual emissions of greenhouse gases by end use and sector 4.2 Cardiff s ecological footprint 4.3 Traffic growth: traffic volumes entering the County and city centre 4.4 Traffic volumes (billion vehicle Km) 4.5 Mode of travel to the city centre for all purposes 4.6 Average household energy consumption (kwh) 4.7 Percentage of major developments that generate a percentage of their energy from renewable sources 4.8 Number of properties at risk from river and coastal flooding 4.9 Percentage of new development with sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) 4.1 Number of new housing units approved in C1 and C2 flood risk areas 5.1 Number of paid attendances for cultural venues in Cardiff 5.2 Percentage of conservation areas with an appraisal undertaken in the last 1 years 5.3 Percentage of listed buildings at risk 34

35 Sustainability objective 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy 7. Improve health and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape Sub Objective: Will the LDP strategic option, objective, strategy, policy or allocation 6.a Increase the number and range of employment opportunities 6.b Support and enhance the role of Cardiff as the economic driver of South East Wales city region 6.c Provide good quality employment opportunities accessible to all sections of the population by a variety of travel modes 6.d Promote and support city and local centres, local employment opportunities and mixed use development 6.e Support the regeneration of deprived areas 6.f Promote and support the rural economy 7.a Promote healthy living and reduce health inequalities 7.b Encourage and facilitate walking and cycling 7.c Improve access to open space, the countryside and other opportunities for physical activity 7.d Improve environmental quality by minimising adverse impacts on health and wellbeing from pollution, flooding and waste management disposal 7.e Promote good design that minimises adverse impacts on health and wellbeing from crime and road traffic accidents 8.a Protect and enhance the landscape including the countryside, areas of landscape value, river valleys, greenspaces and the undeveloped coastline 8.b Protect and enhance geologically important sites 8.c Promote access to areas of landscape value 8.d Promote high quality design in keeping with its landscape context Indicators 6.1 UK Competitiveness Index 6.2 Number of jobs in Cardiff 6.3 Gross Value Added (GVA) per head of local population 6.4 Full time gross median pay ( /week) 6.5 Percent of residents working age population in employment 6.6 The percentage of unemployed people claiming benefits who have been out of work for over a year 6.7 Proportion of residents on Jobseeker's Allowance 6.8 Amount of land (in hectares) available for employment 7.1 Prevalence of key illnesses 7.2 Gap between wards with the highest and lowest life expectancy 7.3 Percent of adults who are overweight or obese 7.4 Adults who reported meeting physical activity guidelines in the past week 7.5 No. people killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents 7.6 Notifiable offences 8.1 Length of coast with formal public access 8.2 Area (in hectares) of landscape protected by local landscape designations (Green Belt, special landscape area and conservation areas) 8.3 Achievement of recreational open space requirements 8.4 Area of Cardiff within 4m of accessible natural green space 35

36 Sustainability objective 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way 11. Minimise waste, increase re-use and recycling Sub Objective: Will the LDP strategic option, objective, strategy, policy or allocation 9.a Re-use derelict and other previously developed land 9.b Remediate contaminated land 9.c Safeguard soil quality including the best and most versatile agricultural land, and protect and enhance allotments 9.d Safeguard mineral resources and encourage their efficient and appropriate use 9.e Conserve water resources and increase water efficiency 9.f Improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, groundwaters and coastal areas 1.a Meet the need of Cardiff s population for homes, jobs and community facilities 11.a Promote resource efficiency and the use of secondary and recycled materials 11.b Promote waste reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery Indicators 9.1 Percent of housing on previously developed land 9.2 Number and area (in hectares) of potentially contaminated sites 9.3 Area (in hectares) of grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land 9.4 Number and area of allotments, number of plots 9.5 Landbank (in years) of mineral reserves 9.6 Percent of river lengths achieving good ecological status or potential 9.7 Total non-tidal water abstractions 9.8 Percentage of Cardiff s rivers achieving Good General Quality Assessments 1.1 Total population size 1.2 Number of households and average household size 11.1 Commercial and industrial waste arising per year 11.2 Construction and demolition waste arising per annum 11.3 Municipal waste arising per year 11.4 Number of planning applications with site waste management plans 11.5 The percentage of municipal waste composted or recycled 11.6 Number of bring sites and large household recycling centres 36

37 5. Appraisal of the Vision and Objectives the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors (SEA Directive Annex I(f)) the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme (SEA Directive Annex I(g)) 5.1 This is the first of four chapters which appraise, respectively, the sustainability impacts of the LDP vision and objectives, strategic options considered for the LDP, individual candidate sites for development, and key and detailed policies. The SA framework of Table 4.3 was used as the basis for each appraisal. For the strategic options and candidate sites, the appraisal helped to inform the decision of which options to choose. For the vision, objectives, and key and detailed policies, the appraisal helped to fine-tune each element of the LDP. 5.2 The Local Development Plan Manual states that the purpose of the appraisal at this stage is to predict the likely economic, environmental and social effects of the options being considered. The Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive states that predictions do not have to be expressed in quantitative terms... quantification is not always practicable, and qualitative predictions can be equally valid and appropriate. 5.3 This chapter discusses the appraisal of the LDP Vision and Objectives - which were shown at Chapter 3. Sustainability Appraisal of the LDP vision 5.4 The appraisal of the LDP vision showed that the vision would primarily have positive impacts. It highlighted a number of issues that were not explicitly addressed through the LDP vision. Features such as landscape could also be strengthened to improve the sustainability of the vision. The detailed assessment of the LDP vision can be found in Appendix D. Appraisal of the LDP Objectives 5.5 Table 5.1 summarises the results of the appraisal of the LDP objectives, and Appendix D shows the full appraisal. The LDP objectives mostly have positive sustainability effects. However in some cases, although per capita impacts are likely to reduce, overall impacts are likely to worsen as a result of Cardiff's increasing population. 5.6 Rewording was suggested for several sub-objectives and one headline objective. For instance, it was suggested that Sub-Objective 1.12 should be divided into three separate objectives to more adequately cover waste issues; 37

38 and that provision of healthy food choices should be stressed more. Most of these changes were subsequently made, as shown in Table 5.2. Where proposed changes were not implemented, reasons for this have been documented in the final column of Table 5.2. Table 5.1 Summary appraisal findings for the LDP objectives SA Objective LDP Objectives 1.Help deliver equality of The LDP Objectives aim to provide affordable housing and access to opportunity and education, employment, facilities and services, and promote social access for all inclusion, equality of opportunity and access for all. Location of development is key for achieving sustainable transport solutions and 2.Maintain and improve air quality 3.Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy 7. Improve health and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources networks. /? per capita,? / city wide The LDP Objectives help to improve air quality through the provision of sustainable transport solutions, and by aiming to reduce the need to travel. However, whilst per person emissions may reduce as a result of the LDP, it is a plan for the growth of Cardiff and therefore it is unlikely that, overall, the city s emissions to air will decrease. The LDP Objectives aim to protect and enhance biodiversity not only at designated sites but also in areas without designation or of unknown biodiversity value. - per capita, - city wide The LDP Objectives assist and support in reducing carbon emissions by reducing the need to travel, encouraging a modal shift in transport, aiming to provide sustainable transport solutions and aiming to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, including flooding. However although carbon emissions per person may reduce as a result of the LDP, this is a plan for the city s growth and as such it is unlikely that the city s overall carbon emissions will decrease. The LDP Objectives help to protect and enhance historic assets, to ensure that new development is respectful to existing character, and to provide accessible cultural facilities for all communities. The LDP Objectives help to provide a range of employment land, promote specialist sectors to support economic diversity, and provide good transport links. Location of development will be key to delivering sustainable economic growth. The LDP Objectives assist in the promotion of more healthy lifestyles by increasing the provision of cycle and walk ways, aiming to protect public open spaces such as parks, and including healthier food choices as part of community centres and facilities. The LDP Objectives help to protect Cardiff s distinctive landscape features, both designated and undesignated. They also aim to safeguard geodiversity and important geological sites. /? The LDP Objectives aim to protect Cardiff s mineral supply, protect and 38

39 SA Objective efficiently and safeguard their quality 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way 11. Minimise waste, increase reuse and recycling LDP Objectives enhance water and soil quality, increase water efficiency and promote good design with resource efficiency. However, there may be issues with sustainably sourcing appropriate building materials for development. The LDP Objectives aim to meet the needs of Cardiff s growing population both socially and economically. However, whilst per person resource use and emissions are expected to decrease over the plan period, their absolute levels will probably increase as a result of growth of the city and its population. - per capita, - city wide The LDP Objectives aim to minimise waste, maximise recycling and reuse and promote good design, which may reduce the waste generated by developments. However, whilst the LDP will help to reduce the amount of waste from development and per capita, the total waste arisings will probably increase over the plan period in Cardiff as a result of growth. 39

40 Table 5.2 Changes resulting from appraisal of LDP objectives Original LDP Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change 1. To respond to evidenced economic needs and provide the necessary infrastructure to deliver development Reword: to deliver sustainable and accessible Change rejected as suggested additional wording duplicates other sections and is considered superfluous. 1.2 To maximise the economic potential of the city centre of Cardiff as a major financial and service sector opportunity that builds upon its position next to a transport hub of national and regional significance and is readily accessible from all areas within the city 1.1 To establish Cardiff as a sustainable travel city by increasing the use of sustainable travel modes (particularly walking and cycling), decreasing private car use and improving the city s key transport hub based at the adjacent central bus and train stations 1.12 To support the reduction of waste together with reducing the need to transport waste through providing an integrated network of waste management facilities consistent with the needs of the South East Wales area and the waste hierarchy Reword: and well connected to other UK cities. Reword: by reducing the need to travel sustainable travel modes and networks Suggest 1.12 is divided into 3 separate waste objectives. 1.2 changed to 'and well connected to other UK cities. 1.1 To establish Cardiff as a sustainable travel city by reducing the need to travel, increasing the use of sustainable travel modes and networks (particularly walking and cycling) To support sustainable collection and recycling methods for Municipal Waste by maintaining and improving an integrated network of facilities in Cardiff 1.13 To lead and participate in securing regional facilities for the sustainable treatment and disposal of Municipal Waste in accordance with/ in line with the Regional Waste Plans and the waste hierarchy which seeks to maximise the reduction of waste in the first place and thereafter reusing, recovering and recycling options before the disposal of water material is considered To facilitate an integrated network of 4

41 Original LDP Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change commercial and industrial sustainable waste management facilities consistent with the needs of the south east Wales area and in a manner that follows the waste hierarchy which seeks to maximise the reduction of waste in the first place and thereafter reusing, recovering and recycling options before the disposal of waste material is considered. 2.6 To create an environment that is made more accessible to all groups in society so that the facilities and services of the city can be more readily used and enjoyed by all 2.8 To recognise, support and enhance the key role played by existing District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres as accessible local hubs providing community services, local shops, businesses, employment and access to public transport 2.1 To ensure that the necessary education and training facilities are provided and are accessible to all: to build strong futures for children, provide a diverse range of youth/adult learning opportunities and assist economic progress through the development of required skills 2.12 To ensure that the necessary community facilities (community centres, youth facilities, child care, faith buildings, health centres etc) are provided that are accessible to all 3.1 To mitigate the effects of climate change through reducing energy consumption and increasing the supply of renewable energy 3.3 To protect, manage and enhance Cardiff s natural environmental assets, including:... Reword: so that the employment opportunities Reword: added healthy food choices Reword: Remove youth/adult, add opportunities for all. Reword: Add and cultural facilities, shops with health food choices and especially in areas that are deprived. Reword: Remove consumption and replace with demand Reword: 4 th bullet point networks that 2.6 To create an environment that is made more accessible to all groups in society so that the employment opportunities, accessible local hubs providing community services, local shops, healthy food choices, provide a diverse range of youth/adult learning opportunities for all and assist economic progress through the development of required skills 2.12 To ensure that the necessary community and cultural facilities (community centres, shops with healthy food choices, youth facilities, child care, faith buildings, health centres etc) are provided that are accessible to all, especially in areas that are deprived 3.1 To mitigate the effects of climate change through reducing energy consumption demand and increasing the supply of renewable energy The city s biodiversity, its internationally, nationally and locally designated sites, wildlife habitats 41

42 Original LDP Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change The city s biodiversity, its internationally, nationally Add 6 th and features that contain important species bullet point The role that and locally designated sites, wildlife habitats and features and networks that link together areas of value; and vegetation plays in combating that contain important species and link together areas of Natural resources including geodiversity, the climate change by providing value; and best soils, water and air quality including the reduction shading, cooling and carbon Natural resources including geodiversity, the best of pollution sinks. soils, water and air quality including the reduction of The role that vegetation plays in combating pollution climate change by providing shading, cooling and carbon 3.4 To conserve and enhance Cardiff s built and historic assets that help give a distinctive character to the city and reflect its past development including: The city s 27 Conservation Areas; Its Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments; Registered Historic Landscapes and areas of archaeological importance; and Other valued public places and spaces that provide local distinctiveness and are well used by the community Minimise car use and maximise sustainable transport solutions to create accessible, permeable and legible placesto avoid creating predominantly car-based developments in remote or inappropriate locations by focusing new development in accessible locations. To encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transport- walking, cycling (ideally linked to the strategic cycle network) and via fast and frequent public transport that provides an effective network around and beyond the city; Reword: main objective define Cardiff s distinctive character Reword: 4 th bullet point including parks and amenity, remove and are well used by the community. Reword: Added and decrease air pollution. Remove ideally linked to the strategic cycle network Suggest that objective is strengthened to prevent car based developments. sinks. 3.4 To conserve and enhance Cardiff s built and historic assets that help give a define Cardiff s distinctive character to the city and reflect its past development including: The city s 27 Conservation Areas; Its Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments; Registered Historic Landscapes and areas of archaeological importance; and Other valued public places, including parks and amenity spaces that provide local distinctiveness and are well used by the community Minimise car use travel, and maximise sustainable transport solutions use and decrease air pollution by to creating accessible, permeable, and legible places, preventing to avoid creating predominantly car-based developments in remote or inappropriate locations by and focusing new development in accessible locations which are To encourage greater use of sustainable modes of transport- walking, cycling (linked to the strategic cycle network and can be served mainly by effective networks of sustainable transport walking cycling and via fast and frequent public transport that 42

43 Original LDP Strategic Objectives and Sub-Objectives Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change provides an effective network around and beyond the city; Minimise waste and maximise recycling- to minimise waste at the outset but to recognise the value of waste as a resource and effectively plan for how it can be collected and productively used; Suggested alternative: To effectively plan for how business and neighbourhoods can sort and store for collection for onward productive use; to Minimise waste to landfill and maximise recycling whilst seeking to optimise the overall value of waste as a resource and ensure proper provision for new developments is made through developer proposals To maximise recycling- to minimise waste at the outset optimise but to recognise the overall value of waste as a resource and to effectively plan for how it can be collected and productively used new developments can sort and store waste for collection for onward productive use and minimise material needing treatment and final landfill. 43

44 6. Appraisal of Strategic Options the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors (SEA Directive Annex I(f)) an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information (SEA Directive Annex I(h)) 6.1 This section discusses the sustainability impacts of the strategic options considered for the 212 LDP Preferred Strategy: levels of housing and jobs growth, and broad spatial options for housing delivery. The impacts of individual candidate sites for development are discussed at Chapter The SEA Directive requires an environmental report to describe and evaluate the environmental impacts of the plan 'and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan' (Article 5.1), and to include 'an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with' (Annex Ih). The Welsh Assembly Government's LDP Manual explains that: "The purpose of this task is to predict the social, environmental and economic effects of the options being considered in the LDP preparation process. The main technique is to predict both positive and negative effects of each option on the environmental baseline and objectives set out in the SA framework. The performance of each option can then be compared, taking account where necessary of the business as usual scenario, i.e. how sustainability would change under the current development plan" (Sec ). Options considered 6.3 A range of options had already been considered and appraised during the development of the (now withdrawn) 29 version of the LDP: whether or not to include an International Business Park in the LDP; different scales of housing and jobs growth; whether new growth should be accommodated in one large Greenfield site, several smaller Greenfield sites, or only on previously developed land; and whether or not to include a Green Technology Park in the LDP. 6.4 The economic and political situation in 213 is different from that in 29, so many of these options are no longer relevant. In particular, development on only brownfield sites is no longer felt to be a reasonable option. However these early options and their appraisals informed the options considered for this LDP. 44

45 Options for growth 6.5 Cardiff's population is growing, due to both natural population increase and inmigration. Demographic changes such as divorce and people living longer means that household size is decreasing, so more homes will be needed to accommodate these additional households. A 'zero growth' option is thus not reasonable. The LDP team considered a range of options of future homes and jobs growth in Cardiff, shown at Table 6.1. Table 6.1 Options for growth Option Housing/ employment growth A High B Medium C Low About 54,4 new homes and 55, new jobs About 45,4 new homes and 4, new jobs About 36,5 new homes and 26, new jobs New dwelling requirement per annum 2,72 (26-226) 2,976 (April ) 2,27 (26 226) 2,214 (April ) 1,825 (26 226) 1,858 (April ) Evidence Based on the Welsh Government s 28 population and household projection figures. Based on the Welsh Government s 28 population and household projection figures recalculated using local robust data. Based on long term net migration rates and housing completion rates over the last 8 years. Spatial options for delivery 6.6 Different spatial options were considered to deliver the level of growth set out in the plan. Developers' responses to a call for candidate sites helped to indicate the broad range of potential development areas, namely: Dispersed brownfield sites; Greenfield sites west of Pentrebane; Greenfield sites south of Creigiau/ north of Junction 33; Greenfield site north of M4 at Thornhill; Greenfield sites west and east of Pontprennau; Greenfield sites around Old St Mellons village; Greenfield sites in the east- largely employment uses; and Dispersed smaller greenfield sites. 6.7 Given the scale of development being considered in growth Options A, B and C, it is inevitable that more than one of these areas is likely to contain sites allocated for development. Therefore, the potential 'in combination' effects of several candidate sites together, and of enlarged or reduced candidate site areas, were also considered. 45

46 Appraisal methodology 6.8 Initial appraisal workshops were held in June 211 to evaluate the LDP strategic options, and the appraisals were later refined by the SA team. The appraisals were undertaken using the SA framework of Table 4.3. For each option, the appraisers considered what the issues and opportunities were, and possibilities for improving the sustainability of the option. The appraisals of options for delivering growth later helped in developing the LDP Preferred Strategy by identifying key sustainability issues for different areas of the City before detailed site assessments began. Appraisal results Options for growth 6.9 Appendix E shows the appraisal of the different options for growth, and Table 6.2 summarises these findings. Table 6.2 Summary appraisal findings for the options for growth SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste A. High growth: total? per capita?? B. Med. growth: total? per capita?? C. Low growth: total????????? per capita?? 6.1 Option A would provide the greatest social and economic benefits to the city whilst having the most detrimental impacts on the natural and historic environment. Conversely Option C would provide fewer social and economic benefits whilst preserving more of Cardiff s natural environment resources. The impacts of Option B are between those of Options A and C More specifically issues and opportunities include: Options A and B could help to address existing socio-economic issues within the city, including the need for affordable homes and accessible community and health care facilities, by providing new large coherent developments and a high number of employment opportunities. The level of growth provided under Option C is less likely to deliver these kinds of social and economic benefits. It may not be able to deliver new developments that support the necessary population thresholds to provide new community and health facilities. 46

47 Options A and B, and to a lesser extent Option C have the potential for significant negative environmental effects. Option A would require the majority of the development land available in the city, leaving little residual land for mitigation measures: this would lead to significant and widespread loss of habitats and severe disruption of habitat connectivity across the city. The lower scale of development under Options B and C could provide opportunities to integrate the landscape into new developments whilst Option A is likely to have unavoidable significant negative impacts on Cardiff's landscape setting. All three options have the potential to have negative impacts to the city s air quality due to increased transport and economic activity. This effect could be mitigated by providing mixed use, self-contained developments that reduce the need to travel and incorporate sustainable transport solutions. The impact of Option C on air quality is harder to predict: whilst the effect on air quality would be lower than for Options A or B, the reduced provision of housing could lead to an increase in commuting e.g. from the Valleys by car. Over the plan period, for any of the options, citywide greenhouse gas emissions and waste arisings are likely to increase: all the options support a significant growth of the population, and thus consumption, waste and other activities such as transport. There is potential under all of the options to decrease the per capita emissions through the design of new developments e.g. integrating sustainable transport and waste (reuse: recycling: reduction) solutions. Options A and B would involve development on large Greenfield sites, which currently provide important carbon sinks for the City. Their loss would exacerbate the carbon emissions arising from growth. Additionally green spaces help to reduce the impacts of climate change by providing land drainage and reducing the urban heat island effect. All of the options have the potential to impact negatively on historic and cultural assets and local character. This is particularly true for Option A where the level of growth is high and almost all of the available land in Cardiff would be developed. These impacts could be mitigated by ensuring that design of new developments is sympathetic to local character and distinctiveness, and that the cultural and historic assets are protected. Cardiff needs to be able to respond, sustainably, to future demographic changes. Option C provides a level of growth that is consistent with the last 8 years of demographic change in the city based on local data. Beyond the LDP's plan period (2 years) there would be sufficient development land remaining in the city for further growth if this trend in population increase continues. Under Option A almost all of the available development land would be filled within the plan period and it is uncertain how future demographic changes could be accommodated beyond the plan period. Option B provides housing and employment but leaves some residual development land beyond the plan period. 47

48 6.12 Option B formed the basis of the October 212 Preferred Strategy. However Policy KP1 of the Deposit LDP reduces the dwellings figure to 41,1, roughly midway between Options B and C. (The jobs figure remains 4, as in Option B). The reasons for this are explained in detail in paras 4.12 to 4.26 of the Deposit LDP. The decisive point is that more recent modelling of the kind that informed the earlier choice of Option B, using more up to date information, indicates that both migration and household formation rates now appear likely to be lower than previously projected However, given the uncertainties, KP1 also includes provision to deliver an additional 4, homes (ie back to almost Option B) later in the plan period if monitoring indicates this is necessary This new option has not been formally appraised. Given that it lies between two options, B and C, which were appraised, that their scores were similar, and that the revised population modelling means that the new option should perform as well as B did previously on the two criteria (1 equality and 1 population) where it might have been expected to do worse, this is not a problem The roughly 1% reduction in housing was not accompanied by any pro rata reduction in the areas of land allocated for development. (An apparent small reduction in area was due to two brownfield sites included in earlier drafts of the LDP being removed because they have planning permission and development is already proceeding.) This means that, if and when the extra 4 dwellings are needed, they will need additional sites: ie that the same quantum of development would now be around 1% less dense and take around 1% more greenfield land than was envisaged in the Preferred Strategy. When the appraisal queried this, the LDP team responded that their more detailed masterplanning had revealed that community facilities, open space and environmental protection were going to require more land than had previously been estimated, so the reduction in density was going to be needed to comply with other LDP objectives and policies anyway Following the public Examination, the housing provision was reviewed. Several different adjustments and updates together resulted in a small increase in the total, to 41,415. It was also made more explicit how the additional 4 dwellings could potentially be accommodated by faster building out of one strategic site and extensions to two others which have been appraised. These changes do not warrant any change in the overall appraisal. Spatial options for delivery 6.17 Appendix E shows the appraisal of the different spatial options for delivery, and Table 6.3 summarises these findings. 48

49 Table 6.3 Summary appraisal findings for the spatial options for delivery SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste Dispersed brownfield sites Greenfield sites west of Pentrebane South of Creigiau / north of Junction 33 Greenfield sites west and east of Pontprennau Greenfield site north of M4 at Thornhill Greenfield sites around Old St Mellons Village Greenfield sties in the east Dispersed Greenfield sites Too varied and diffuse to effectively appraise at the strategic level??? /? /????? /? / /????? Too varied and diffuse to effectively appraise at the strategic level 6.18 All the large Greenfield sites would have negative impacts on biodiversity and landscape because they would take up large areas of greenfield land. Air quality would worsen under all of the options because they would increase the use of cars: North of Junction 33, North of the M4 at Thornhill, and sites at Old St Mellons would have particularly negative impacts due to their location in less central locations poorly served by public transport. All new development sites will use natural resources and generate waste, but these are negative impacts of the overall level of development which will not in general differ significantly between locations All the large Greenfield sites would respond to demographic change by providing needed housing and employment land. Several would also provide health benefits in the form of improved access to open space, encouragement for walking and cycling, and/or improved health facilities. 6.2 The sites impacts on heritage, equality and climatic factors depends on whether the sites include any aspects of cultural/heritage importance, whether they are located near the southern arc of deprivation, whether they would provide facilities for existing communities, and whether they have the potential to provide renewable energy. Several include areas that are prone to flooding. 49

50 6.21 Having considered these points, the planning team s main reasons for including or not including the main strategic sites in the LDP are: Dispersed brownfield sites Greenfield sites west of Pentrebane Greenfield sites south of Creigiau / north of Junction 33 Greenfield sites west and east of Pontprennau Greenfield site north of M4 at Thornhill Greenfield sties around Old St Mellons Village Greenfield sites in the east Generally have few constraints and are considered acceptable in principle. Most of the sites have been taken forward, providing for 27,615 homes about 65% of the overall housing provision. Included: Some environmental constraints with protected species on site and close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, no flood risk implications, a large site with the potential to bring forward a comprehensive range of supporting social and community facilities. Suitable mitigation measures will need to be identified. Included: Contains several Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, no flood risk implications, a strategically important and visible location in a well used transport corridor adjacent to a proposed Special Landscape Area, can help to deliver wider transport strategy (provision of Park & Ride/Share facility, new rapid transport bus corridor etc.) Included: Contains several Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, some flood risk implications, no strategic landscape importance, possibility of integrating existing natural features (stream, woodlands, hedgerows) into any new development, a large site with the potential to bring forward a comprehensive range of supporting social and community facilities, including a primary school for Pontprennau and public open space. Not included: Crosses a well defined urban edge (the M4), forms part of the strategically important green countryside backdrop to Cardiff, has some biodiversity and landscape importance, relatively isolated from existing community facilities and without the critical mass necessary to effectively deliver on-site provision. Not included: A relatively isolated area with no notable existing social/community facilities and served by narrow lanes. Additional development would be highly car-based. The disjointed nature of submissions mitigates against a comprehensive approach to dealing with these limitations. Included: Significant environmental constraints: most of the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the adjoining estuary is an internationally important site for birds, it is a Historic Landscape and Archaeologically Sensitive Area, the site meets the criteria for Special Landscape Area status, and flood risk is a major concern. Suitable mitigation measures will need to be identified. 5

51 Dispersed Greenfield sites Generally cause concern because of their isolated and piecemeal nature. More information on these sites can be found at the 212 LDP Preferred Strategy Background Technical Paper No

52 7. Appraisal of Candidate Sites for Development the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors (SEA Directive Annex I(f)) an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information (SEA Directive Annex I(h)) 7.1 This section discusses how the specific candidate sites that were proposed for development in Cardiff were identified and appraised. 7.2 In determining where housing and employment growth could be directed spatially, the planning team considered the existing land bank of housing and employment land, scheduled completions, windfall sites and information received from landowners and developers on potential candidate sites. This resulted in 112 possible development sites. 7.3 Various combinations of sites were also considered: North west transport corridor- Candidate sites south of Creigiau, north of Junction 33 of the M4, sites to west of Fairwater and Radyr North east- Several candidate sites located between Lisvane and Pontprennau plus the site located east of the Pentwyn Link Road St Mellons Village- A collection of relatively small candidate sites in a well-defined area around the fringes of St Mellons Village which collectively cover about 57 hectares Land north of Junction 33 of M4 / south of Creigiau Land south of St Mellons Business Park. 7.4 The following enlarged sites were also appraised: North west Cardiff submission extended slightly to the west up to Croft Y Genau Road North west Cardiff extended north towards M4 North west Cardiff extension to the west Land north of Junction 33 Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone Since the candidate sites were submitted, the Welsh Government have designated the Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone in April 212. This covers a much larger geographical area than the 3 small candidate sites previously submitted. Appraisal methodology 7.5 A modified approach was taken to the appraisal of individual candidate development sites. It is not possible, at the plan-making stage, to know 52

53 precisely what kind of development will go on each site, for instance what combination of housing, employment and infrastructure a developer will propose when they make a planning application; or what site layout and development design they will propose. For other aspects of sustainability, like waste management, the choice of development sites will not affect the impact. As a result these topics were not assessed for individual sites. On the other hand, detailed information is available on some other sustainability topics: for instance, whether they are near sites of nature conservation importance or in areas of flood risk. 7.6 To ensure full integration between the plan-making and SA processes, one joint planning/sa pro forma was agreed by the SA and planning teams, and was filled in by the planning team for each candidate development site. The pro forma takes into account the feasibility and applicability of potential mitigation measures. Appendix F shows the SA criteria used in the pro formas, and these are summarised at Table 7.1. Table 7.1 Appraisal criteria used for candidate sites: links to the site pro forma SA Objective Corresponding factor in the candidate site pro forma 1. Help deliver equality of C1: Transport context: is the site near a train station or bus opportunity and access for stop, is it easily accessible by foot or cycling etc. all D2: Community facilities: is a good range of community facilities near the site, reducing the need to travel 2. Maintain and improve air F1: Air quality: is the site in an Air Quality Management Area, quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy 7. Improve health and wellbeing 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way does it pose concerns about air quality etc. A1: Biodiversity/geology: is the site on or near any nature conservation designations, have protected species been found on the site etc. B1: Existing flood risk: does the site lie in the floodplain E3: Scope for renewable energy solutions A3: Historic, cultural and built environment: is the site on or near any historic designations, could it affect the cultural heritage etc. Not applicable for assessment at location level F2: Health and wellbeing : could development at the site affect the health of existing or future residents etc. A2: Landscape: is the site on or near any landscape designations or would it otherwise affect the townscape or landscape A4: Natural resources: is the site on high quality agricultural land, are mineral resources on the site etc. A5: Contaminated land: does the site offer the potential to clear up contaminated land Not applicable for assessment at location level 53

54 SA Objective 11. Minimise waste, increase re-use and recycling Corresponding factor in the candidate site pro forma 7.7 After the planning team filled in the pro formas, the SA team checked the pro formas for consistency and logic, and discussed any concerns with the planning team. The main problem identified was that the planners assumptions about potential mitigation measures meant that almost none of the candidate sites were found to have biodiversity or landscape impacts, even when they were on Greenfield land or designated nature conservation sites. This led to the planners revising many of the pro formas in response to the SA, including: Changing many of the planners neutral impacts on biodiversity or landscape to negative impacts. In the absence of certainty that mitigation measures would be implemented and be successful, a more precautionary approach was felt to be more appropriate; Changing some of the planners positive impacts on health to neutral impacts because of concerns about the air pollution generated by traffic from the site; Changing some of the planners neutral impacts on equality of opportunity to positive impacts because of the site s proximity to existing services and public transport. 7.8 In other cases, this review by the SA team led the planning team to more clearly explain in the pro forma the reasons for deciding that the site would have specific impacts. 7.9 Table 7.2 shows the results of the candidate site appraisal process for both individual sites and combinations/extensions of sites, and also shows whether the site is included in the plan or not. More information on the choice of preferred candidate sites is available in the Preferred Strategy, and in the pro formas at the 212 LDP Preferred Strategy Background Technical Paper 8 / Appendix 3. 54

55 Table 7.2 Summary appraisal findings for the LDP candidate sites SA objective 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all 2. Maintain and improve air quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. reduce and adapt to emissions of greenhouse gases 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 7. Improve health and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources efficiently Planning conclusions Equivalent to pro forma criterion... C1 D2 F1 A1 B1 E3* A3 F2 A2 A4 A5 1. Land at Wentloog Levels J 2. St. Mellons Business Park X 3. Land at Pill Du Farm X 4. Energlyn, Ty Draw Road G 5. Land rear of Fairmeadow 6. Land at Cefn Mably Road G 7. Land at Tregyrnog House X 8. Land W of Clos y Cwarra X 9. Land of Sunnybank Farm G 1. The Dutch Garden Centre X 11. Land east of Graig Road G 12. Parc Ty Glas/Malvern Dr X 13. Land to rear of Brynteg X 14. Land to NW of Druidstone X 15. Druidstone Rd, OSM X 16. Land at Ely Bridge B 17. Ely Bridge Farm 18. Queen Alexandra Head 19. Pengam Green X 2. Queens Gate Car Park 21. Land at Areas 9-12 X 22. Trowbridge Mawr X 23. Land Crickhowell PP 24. Land east of Cypress Drive J 25. Land at Cefn Garw Quarry X 26. Land Ty Isaf Farm House X 27. Land at Pwll Coch Uchaf X 28. Land North of Ty Isaf X 29. Land NW of Druidstone X 3. Pwll Coch Druidstone X 31. Land at Brindley Road 32. Land at Michaelston Road PP 33. Llanishen Reservoir X 34. Llanishen Reservoir X 35. Rookwood Hospital 36. Former Lansdowne H-l 37. Greenhill School X 38. Land off Tyr Winch Road X 39. Whitchurch Hospital Site 1 PP 4. Whitchurch Hospital Site 2 PP 41. Whitchurch Hospital Site 3 PP 42. Whitchurch Hospital Site Land to E of Brook House X 44. Land at Bridge Road X 45. Government Offices 46. Land N of Junction 33 E 47. Goitre Fach Farm D 48. Church Farm H 49. Blooms Garden Centre X 5. Land at Briwnant X 51. Land at Mill Road 52. Land at Paper Mill Road X 53. Cardiff Gate N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 54. Taffs Well Quarry N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 55. Land at Trowbridge Road PP 56. Former St Johns College 55

56 SA objective 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all 2. Maintain and improve air quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. reduce and adapt to emissions of greenhouse gases 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 7. Improve health and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources efficiently Planning conclusions 57. Land at Hannah Street PP 58. Rear of Moorland Road 59. Goitre Farm, St Mellons X 6. Roath Basin South I 61. Land S of Central Station A 62. Land rear of Clive Street 63. Former Cwm Farm 64. Former Cwm Farm X 65. Land at former Cwm Farm X 66. Land at Church House Frm G 67. Land at Maerdy Farm G 68. Land at Llwyn y Pia Farm G 69. Land at Tynewydd X 7. Central Square A 71. Wales Millennium Centre 72. Land E&W of Church Rd H 73. Graving Docks X 74. Wentloog Industrial Park E X 75. Land east of GH Farm X 76. Land S of Wentloog Ave X 77. Gas Works, Ferry Road C 78. Fruit Market, B&Q PP 79. Land at Ty Draw Road G 8. Land at Bridge Road X 81. Land at Began/Bridge rd. X 82. Land West of Cardiff D 83. JR Freeman Factory PP 84. Malthouse Frm NE Cardiff G 85. Land off Llwyn y Pia Road G 86. North East Cardiff G 87. North East Cardiff G 88. North East Cardiff (part) G 89. North East Cardiff (part) G 9. North East Cardiff (part) G 91. Land at Pwll Coch X 92. Greenhill School X 93. Greenhill School X 94. UWIC, Colchester Avenue N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A PP 95. Howard Gardens X 96. Land Llandaff Campus X 97. Plas Gwyn RC/BBC X 98. Land at Church Rd H 99. Dan y Garth (a) 1. Dan y Garth (b) 11. Dumballs Road A 12. Land south of Creigiau F 13. Mill Farm, St Mellons Rd G 14. Land off Druidstone Rd X 15. Land off Druidstone Rd (2) X 16. Cardiff Parkway J 17. Land at Gelynis Farm X 18. Electrocoin Automatics 19. Land at Bridge Road X 11. Land NE of Cefn Eurwg X 111. Land NW of Great House F X 112. NE Cardiff G Site combinations: North West Transport Corridor North East Cardiff St Mellons Village 56

57 SA objective 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all 2. Maintain and improve air quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. reduce and adapt to emissions of greenhouse gases 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 7. Improve health and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources efficiently Planning conclusions North of J33 / South of Creigiau South of St Mellons Business P Enlarged sites: NW Cardiff to Croft Y G NW Cardiff N toward M4 NW Cardiff to the west Land N of J33 extended Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone * All E3 are unknown so they are not recorded here very positive Appraisal findings positive neutral unknown data not yet available negative very negative site accords with LDP V&O* Planning conclusions site site not included included as a strategic site** planning permission granted for site * Site considered suitable for inclusion in Deposit LDP **Letter corresponds to Policy 2 numbering 57

58 8. Appraisal of Key and Detailed Policies the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors (SEA Directive Annex I(f)) the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme (SEA Directive Annex I(g)) 8.1 This section discusses the main sustainability impacts of the LDP s policies. The following list shows the key and detailed policies of the LDP with the Matters Arising Changes (with additions since the Deposit plan underlined and deletions crossed through). KEY POLICIES KP1: LEVEL OF GROWTH KP2: STRATEGIC SITES KP2 (A): CARDIFF CENTRAL ENTERPRISE ZONE AND REGIONAL TRANSPORT HUB KP2 (B): FORMER GAS WORKS, FERRY ROAD KP2 (C): NORTH WEST CARDIFF KP2 (D & E): NORTH OF JUNCTION 33 ON M4 AND SOUTH OF CREIGIAU KP2 (F): NORTH EAST CARDIFF (WEST OF PONTPRENNAU) KP2 (G): EAST OF PONTPRENNAU LINK ROAD KP2 (H): SOUTH OF ST MELLONS BUSINESS PARK KP3 (A): GREEN BELT WEDGE KP3 (B): SETTLEMENT BOUNDARIES KP4: MASTERPLANNING APPROACH KP5: GOOD QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN KP6: NEW INFRASTRUCTURE KP7: PLANNING OBLIGATIONS KP8: SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT KP9: RESPONDING TO EVIDENCED ECONOMIC NEEDS KP1: CENTRAL AND BAY BUSINESS AREAS KP11: MINERALS AND CRUSHED ROCK AGGREGATES AND OTHER MINERALS KP12: WASTE KP13: RESPONDING TO EVIDENCED SOCIAL NEEDS KP14: HEALTHY LIVING KP15: CLIMATE CHANGE KP16: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE KP17: BUILT HERITAGE KP18: NATURAL RESOURCES DETAILED POLICIES HOUSING H1: NON-STRATEGIC HOUSING SITES 58

59 H2: CONVERSION TO RESIDENTIAL USE H3: AFFORDABLE HOUSING H4: CHANGE OF USE OF RESIDENTIAL LAND OR PROPERTIES H5: SUB-DIVISION OR CONVERSION OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES H6: CHANGE OF USE OR REDEVELOPMENT TO RESIDENTIAL USE H7: ALLOCATION POLICY FOR GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITE(S) H87: SITES FOR GYPSY AND TRAVELLER CARAVANS ECONOMY EC1: EXISTING EMPLOYMENT LAND EC2: PROVISION OF COMPLEMENTARY FACILITIES FOR EMPLOYEES IN BUSINESS, INDUSTRIAL AND WAREHOUSING DEVELOPMENTS EC3: ALTERNATIVE USE OF EMPLOYMENT LAND AND PREMISES EC4: PROTECTING OFFICES IN THE CENTRAL AND BAY BUSINESS AREAS EC5: HOTEL DEVELOPMENT EC6: NON-STRATEGIC EMPLOYMENT SITE EC7: EMPLOYMENT PROPOSALS ON LAND NOT IDENTIFIED FOR EMPLOYMENT USE ENVIRONMENT Countryside Protection EN1: COUNTRYSIDE PROTECTION EN2: CONVERSION, EXTENSION AND REPLACEMENT BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE The Natural Environment EN3: LANDSCAPE PROTECTION EN4: RIVER VALLEYS CORRIDORS EN5: LOCAL NATURE RESERVES AND NON-STATUTORY SITES OF NATURE CONSERVATION AND GEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE DESIGNATED SITES EN6: ECOLOGICAL NETWORKS AND FEATURES OF IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY EN7: PRIORITY HABITATS AND SPECIES EN8: TREES, WOODLANDS AND HEDGEROWS The Historic Environment EN9: CONSERVATION OF THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Natural Resources EN1: WATER SENSITIVE DESIGN EN11: PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES Renewable Energy EN12: RENEWABLE ENERGY AND LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES Pollution EN13: AIR, NOISE, LIGHT POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATED LAND CONTAMINATION 59

60 Flood Risk EN14: FLOOD RISK TRANSPORT T1: WALKING AND CYCLING T2: STRATEGIC RAPID TRANSIT & BUS CORRIDORS T3: TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES T4: CENTRAL TRANSPORT HUB T5: MANAGING TRANSPORT IMPACTS T6: IMPACT ON TRANSPORT NETWORKS AND SERVICES T7: STRATEGIC TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE T8: STRATEGIC RECREATIONAL ROUTES T9 CARDIFF CITY REGION METRO NETWORK RETAIL R1: RETAIL PROVISION WITHIN STRATEGIC SITES R1 RETAIL HIERARCHY R2: DEVELOPMENT IN THE CENTRAL SHOPPING AREA R3: PROTECTED SHOPPING FRONTAGES R54 DISTRICT CENTRES R65 LOCAL CENTRES R46 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT (OUT OF CENTRE) R7 FOOD AND DRINK USES R7 RETAIL PROVISION WITHIN STRATEGIC SITES R8 PROTECTION OF LOCAL SHOPPING PARADES R8 FOOD AND DRINK USES COMMUNITY C1: COMMUNITY FACILITIES C2: PROTECTION OF EXISTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES C2 3: COMMUNITY SAFETY/CREATING SAFE ENVIRONMENTS C34: PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE C45: PROVISION FOR OPEN SPACE, OUTDOOR RECREATION, CHILDREN S PLAY AND SPORT C5: PROVISION FOR ALLOTMENTS AND COMMUNITY GROWING C6: PROVISION FOR CHILDREN S PLAY C7 6: HEALTH C8: PLANNING FOR SCHOOLS C9: NEW EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES C1: HEALTH EMPLOYMENT NON-STRATEGIC ALLOCATION C7 PLANNING FOR SCHOOLS MINERALS M1: MINERAL LIMESTONE RESERVES AND RESOURCES M2: PREFERRED ORDER OF MINERAL RESOURCE RELEASE M3: QUARRY CLOSURES AND EXTENSION LIMITS 6

61 M4: MINERALS BUFFER ZONES M5: RESTORATION AND AFTER - USE OF MINERAL WORKINGS M6: DREDGED AGGREGATE LANDING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES SAND WHARF PROTECTION AREAS M7: SAFEGUARDING OF SAND AND GRAVEL RESOURCE M8: SAFEGUARDING OF COAL RESOURCES M9: SAFEGUARDING OF LIMESTONE RESOURCES M7: SAFEGUARDING OF SAND AND GRAVEL, COAL AND LIMESTONE RESOURCES M8: AREAS WHERE COAL WORKING WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE WASTE W1: LAND FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT W21 SITES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES W32: PROVISION FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES IN DEVELOPMENT 8.2 All the key and detailed policies were appraised in August 213 using the SA framework of Table 4.3. For the many policies repeated from the Preferred Strategy with only minor changes, the appraisals already done in June and July 212 were reviewed and tweaked as necessary. Appraisals of new policies in the Matters Arising Changes were added in May 215, and the earlier appraisals revised or deleted as necessary. Further minor changes were made to take account of the further Matters Arising Changes in October 215 and January 216. The results for the key policies are summarised in Table 8.1. The full appraisals for all policies are in Appendix G. Table 8.1a summarises the impacts of the strategic sites in Key Policy 2. Table 8.1 Summary appraisal findings for the LDP key policies SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste KP1: Level Of Growth KP2: Strategic Sites KP3(a), KP3(b) Green Wedge, settlement?? boundary KP4: Masterplanning Approach KP5: High Quality and Sustainable Design? KP6 New infrastructure, KP7 planning obls??????????? KP8: Sustainable Transport KP1: Central and Bay Business Areas KP11: Crushed Rock Aggregates and Other?? Minerals KP12: Waste?? KP13: Responding to evidenced social needs KP14: Healthy Living???? KP15: Climate Change??? KP16: Green Infrastructure? KP17: Built Heritage? KP18: Natural Resources 61

62 Table 8.1a. Summary appraisal of KP2 sites policies (see Figure 3.2) SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste Strategic Sites Size (ha) A. Cardiff Central Enterprise 13? Zone and Regional Trans Hub B. Former gas works, Ferry Road 12??? C. North West Cardiff 346 D. & E. North of J33 on M4 and South of Craigiau F. North East Cardiff (West of Pontprennau) 139 /??? /??? 24??? /? G. East of Pontprennau Link road 81?? /? H. South of St. Mellons business park 99?? 8.3 Overall, the appraisal found that the LDP policies would have mostly positive or neutral impacts. The impacts were particularly positive with regard to social and economic issues such as equality, economic growth and response to demographic change. The main negative effects would be caused by the policies that promote housing and economic growth and specific development locations, notably Policies KP1 and KP2. Together these would have significant impacts on air quality, biodiversity, the historic and cultural heritage, the landscape and waste production. The LDP's overall impacts are discussed in more detail at Chapter A range of changes to key policies were suggested as a result of the appraisal. The planning team put in place most of these changes in the 212 Preferred Strategy, although some changes were not made for planning reasons. Table 8.2 summarises the suggested changes and shows how they were taken into account. (For ease of reference, policy numbers have been changed to refer to where the relevant material now appears.) As a result of these changes, the LDP policies have become less repetitive, give greater emphasis to reducing the need to travel by car and making facilities accessible by walking and cycling, have increased emphasis on resilience to climate change, and focus more on remediating contaminated land. 8.5 The planning team made two major changes between the Preferred Strategy and Deposit Plans. The first was the 1% reduction in housing provision. This 62

63 was a direct response to a downward revision in projected population growth, so the revised policy scores the same against the social and economic objectives as the previous one did. Since the same land will be allocated for development (for the reasons explained at 6.15), the scores against environmental objectives are also unchanged. Further detailed review of housing projections in spring 215 resulted in a 1% upward adjustment of the provision as a Matters Arising Change. 8.6 The second change was the addition of Key Policies KP3a and KP3b designating a green belt and restricting development outside existing settlements. These policies improve the LDP s performance against environmental objectives, with a very small social and economic penalty from restricting development. 8.7 A number of smaller changes were also made. Many made no difference to the appraisal. Some, in response to appraisal recommendations, improved the LDP s sustainability performance. A few weakened it. 8.8 Further changes were made after the public Examination. These are summarised in Appendix I. Many of these were concerned with clarifying drafting, improving alignment with guidance, updating references or rearranging material, and will make no significant difference to the Plan s sustainability impacts. Some will improve the Plan s impacts, notably by providing more explicitness and certainty over requirements for sustainable transport infrastructure, development densities, meeting the 5:5 modal split target, considering renewable energy opportunities in major developments, and preventing loss of needed community facilities. However very few of these were significant enough to require changes in policy appraisal scores. 8.9 Two changes had significant negative effects. The most important was the replacement of the Green Belt policy KP3a with one for Green Wedge. The boundaries and level of protection are unchanged. The change matters because of the loss of permanence. Planning Policy Wales says: the boundaries of Green Belts should be altered only in exceptional circumstances and land within a Green Belt should be protected for a longer period than the current development plan period (para 4.8.5). In contrast, Green Wedge policies should be reviewed as part of the development plan review process. (para ) This means that the Green Wedge would have to be re-argued at each LDP review. It could even be rolled back during the Plan period if, for example, annual monitoring revealed a serious shortfall in housing construction and developers blamed lack of attractive sites. 8.1 This creates the possibility of a perverse incentive on developers to hold back from progressing the kinds of development the Plan seeks to encourage (such as brownfield regeneration) in the hope of using underperformance as an argument for rolling back the Green Wedge policy to allow further greenfield development. The change from Green Belt to Green Wedge therefore 63

64 potentially weakens the Council s ability to deliver the spatial strategy which underpins the Plan, and which performs well against the SA/SEA objectives The second significant negative change is the deletion of a former policy on provision of allotments and community gardens which scored very positively on a number of environmental and social criteria. 64

65 Table 8.2 Changes resulting from the appraisal of LDP key policies LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change KP2. In addition to a wide range of brownfield Provide more detail about individual sites in Suggested changes rejected. Policy wording unchanged. site commitments, the following Strategic Sites Policy KP2 - e.g. number of affordable homes The role of the LDP Preferred Strategy is to set a strategic (5 homes or more) and/or significant sought, precise infrastructure to be provided framework to inform more detailed work at the master employment/mixed use sites are proposed:... etc. to ensure that policy is implemented as and infrastructure planning stages. At this stage it would expected. be difficult to set out the number of jobs, affordable housing, etc without being too prescriptive. General principles covering these issues are set out in other policies notably KP13 which includes a target for affordable housing on new housing developments (3% on Greenfield sites and 2% on brownfield sites, with a total of 6973 affordable homes built by 226) and Policy KP14 which sets out principles of sustainable neighbourhoods including the provision of a full range of accessible social, health, leisure and education facilities and community infrastructure for the new communities proposed in the LDP. 65

66 LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change Ensure that the Habitats Regulations Assessment has appraised the impacts of the individual strategic development sites in Policy 2, and has confirmed that these can be developed without significant 'in combination' impact on the integrity of any SPA, SAC or Ramsar site. KP2C. North West Cardiff comprehensive development including approximately 7,5 homes, employment and other associated uses; In particular, development of the land south of St. Mellons Business Park is currently expected to involve land raising, which could have significant impacts on water quality and hydrology of the Severn Estuary SPA/ SAC/ Ramsar site. Include in the LDP description that the disused railway line will be safeguarded, including wide green buffers to allow for a wildlife corridor, walking/cycling trail, and possible future reinstatement of the railway line. The HRA has appraised all of the Key Policies, Strategic Options, Spatial Options and Vision Outcomes within the LDP, and performed a test of likely significance (TOLS) both alone and in-combination. This site has been assessed in the HRA, and because of its distance from the foreshore, we do not believe that development thereon is likely to have a significant effect upon the Severn Estuary designations. The soil recycling facility south of Wentloog Avenue involves spreading large amounts of soil over fields of a similar area to this Candidate Site, but despite concerns over water quality in the SSSI, CCW have not raised any issues over the effects on water quality in the estuary itself. Not appropriate at this stage to include specific details about the site in the key policy. These issues can be considered in the more detailed master planning and infrastructure planning stages. 66

67 LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change Include in the LDP description that a segregated rapid bus lane towards the city centre is expected to be in place before the first house on any part of the site is moved into. If this does not happen, then people who move into the homes in the early stages of development will become used to travelling in their cars. Also there might otherwise be the temptation to develop parts of the site with different planning applications for different parts of the site - without these essential pieces of infrastructure being delivered. KP2D. North of Junction 33 on M4 mixed use of approximately 2, homes, employment and other associated community uses and a strategic Park and Ride site; KP2E. South of Creigiau housing-based scheme of approximately 75 homes with associated community uses; Include in the LDP description that a segregated bus route or tram/railway line to the city centre via North West Cardiff is expected to be in place before the first house on any part of the site is moved into. This may mean that this site cannot be developed until North West Cardiff is developed. If this does not happen, then people who move into the homes in the early stages of development will become used to travelling in their cars. Also there might otherwise be the temptation to develop parts of the site with different planning applications for different parts of the site - without this essential piece of infrastructure being delivered. Policy KP8 on Sustainable Transport amended to include statement that Development in Cardiff will be integrated with transport infrastructure and services in order to: (i) Achieve the target of a 5:5 modal split between journeys by car and journeys by walking, cycling and public transport and proposed sustainable transport infrastructure and service provision in individual masterplans. Commitment added to the site specific principles to ensure frequent public transport provision is in place prior to residential occupation of the site. Policy KP8 on Sustainable Transport amended to include statement that Development in Cardiff will be integrated with transport infrastructure and services in order to: (i) Achieve the target of a 5:5 modal split between journeys by car and journeys by walking, cycling and public transport and proposed sustainable transport infrastructure and service provision in individual masterplans. Commitment added to the site specific principles to ensure frequent public transport provision is in place prior to residential occupation of the site. 67

68 LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change Include in the LDP description that the Park and Ride site is expected to be in place early in the project development, for the same reasons as the segregated bus/tram route Policy KP8 on Sustainable Transport amended to include statement that Development in Cardiff will be integrated with transport infrastructure and services in order to: (i) Achieve the target of a 5:5 modal split between journeys by car and journeys by walking, cycling and public transport and proposed sustainable transport infrastructure and service provision in individual masterplans. Commitment added to the site specific principles to ensure frequent public transport provision KP2H. South of St Mellons business park 3.* Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone From an environmental perspective, this is a very poor site and it is recommended that it is avoided. Its only real benefit is that it will provide land for the kinds of jobs that would not easily be accommodated in the city centre, and that these may be accessible for residents of Trowbridge and Rumney. From a transport perspective, it would be more sustainable to provide several smaller employment sites scattered across the city. Remove this policy as it duplicates Policy KP2A. is in place prior to residential occupation of the site. Although significant mitigation measures are required on this site in order to bring it into use i.e. site raising, flood prevention measures, transport, it is considered feasible due to the strategic nature of the site. It will provide a significant number and range of jobs which is one of the key objectives of the LDP. Policy removed, and all subsequent policies renumbered A Central Enterprise Zone and Regional Transport Hub is proposed in Cardiff city centre in order to fulfil Cardiff s role as economic driver of the cityregion, provide major employment opportunities focused on financial and business services and maximise the advantages of its location adjacent to the Central Station and Cardiff Bus Station. KP9. There will be a strong presumption in favour...retaining and encouraging the Suggested changes rejected. Policy wording unchanged 68

69 LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change of retaining and encouraging the intensification and refurbishment of existing industrial and warehousing land. intensification and refurbishment recommended to be replaced by...retention, enhancement, and efficient use. KP13.Encouraging the provision of a full range of accessible social, health, leisure and education facilities and community infrastructure for both existing and new communities; KP14. Cardiff will be a made a healthier place to live by seeking to reduce health inequalities, encouraging healthier lifestyles and providing accessible and usable green spaces including allotments. In particular Cardiff. KP8. Through their location and design reduce car use and dependency by enabling residents to access employment, shopping, medical, educational and other essential services and community facilities by sustainable travel modes; 17.* Travel Plans will include practical and deliverable measures designed to stimulate the use of sustainable travel choices by residents or users of a development. Including, although not restricted to: 19 (vii)* Car parking and servicing. Car parking will be minimised in line with improvements to access by sustainable transport, in particular, reducing long stay parking for commuters; Meaning of 'accessible' expanded to that are 'accessible to all and by walking and cycling' and moved to end of point. Add:...usable green spaces including allotments, and providing accessible health facilities Add: reduce the need to travel, and. after Through their location and design. Add: and neighbouring communities after..users of a development. Add: (whilst still providing for disabled users); Agree policy amended. Agree policy amended. KP8 says Development in Cardiff will be integrated with transport infrastructure and services in order to: (ii) Reduce travel demand and dependence on the car. The key sustainability aim of reducing the need to travel remains as objective 1(j), but there is now no policy or supporting text explicitly directed to achieving it. Suggested changes rejected. Policy wording unchanged. Now no reference to travel plans in any policy text, only in supporting text (para of Deposit LDP). No reference to minimising car parking anywhere now. Supporting text states that parking and servicing will be provided in accordance with the Councils adopted standards. KP5(ix) Promoting the efficient use of land; Add: 'and where appropriate the remediation of contaminated land;' Agree policy amended. 69

70 LDP Key Policy Change proposed by SA team Response to proposed change KP5(x) Ensuring no undue effect on the amenity Add: 'and connecting positively to Agree policy amended. of neighbouring properties;... surrounding communities;' *Numbers retained from 212 Preferred Strategy because there is no corresponding material in the Deposit LDP 7

71 8.12 In addition to reviewing policies, the sustainability appraisal identified some gaps where the Deposit Draft policies did not fully cover the SA objectives. These are shown at Table 8.3, along with the planning team's response to the SA comments. Some of these have now been overtaken by the Matters Arising Changes summarised in Appendix I. Table 8.3. Changes resulting from the appraisal of gaps in the LDP policies Comments on gaps in the LDP policies Air quality / climate change: The LDP notes that 45% of air pollution is from industry, 3% is from domestic sources and 25% is from road. However by far the greatest focus has been on pollution from cars. Does the LDP need to say something about emissions from homes and industry, e.g. sustainable home standards? LDP response Policy KP18 on Natural Resources changed to: "(iii) Minimising air pollution from industrial, domestic and road transportation sources and managing air quality." Policy KP5(vii) on Good Quality and Sustainable Design changed to: "Achieving a resource efficient and climateresponsive design that provides sustainable water and waste management solutions, minimises water usage and maximises sustainable drainage and minimises emissions from transport, homes and industry;" Renewable energy: Overall the LDP says little on the subject of renewables. This may be because the Council is conducting a Renewable Energy Assessment. Should/can the LDP be more proactive here? Can the LDP identify development sites where renewables would be expected to be provided? Can the LDP identify sites especially for renewables? Biodiversity and landscape: The LDP explicitly states that brownfield sites will not be sufficient so greenfield will have to be used. Given this and a general shortage of discussion on biodiversity in the LDP, biodiversity and the landscape are generally not well treated in the plan Should there be greater consideration of biodiversity protection, specification of what biodiversity enhancement would be provided at each strategic housing site, offsetting of biodiversity impacts where these are unavoidable, creation and designation of new biodiversity sites etc? Criterion (iv) of policy KP15 states that the LDP will seek to increase the supply of renewable energy and criterion (vi) of Policy KP5 states that the LDP will seek to maximise renewable solutions. This is supported by policy EN12 on renewable energy and low carbon technologies Policy KP5 on good quality and sustainable design changed to: "(x) Ensuring no undue effect on the amenity of neighbouring properties and connecting positively to surrounding communities". In terms of biodiversity the Natural Environment section of the LDP emphasises the strategic importance of protecting Cardiff s natural environmental assets including its countryside, landscape and biodiversity. This is supported by Policies EN3-8. These principles have been applied in the detailed master planning to protect biodiversity interests of the strategic sites. Given this, it is considered the plan addresses biodiversity issues adequately and the necessary hooks are in place to enable this issue to be picked up in more detail as the LDP progresses. 71

72 Contaminated land The LDP does not promote the remediation of contaminated land Housing density The LDP says little about housing density. It refers to 'appropriate and efficient density' (Objective 4.9), notes that efficient use of land is desirable, and states that developers should 'respond to the local character and context...' (including density) in their development proposals. However it gives no indication of what typical density would be expected, or what the high and low ranges would be. This could encourage low density development, particularly on the outlying Greenfield sites. Policy KP5 on good quality and sustainable design changed to: "(ix) Promoting the efficient use of land and where appropriate achieving the remediation of contaminated land;" Policy KP5 includes: (ix) Promoting the efficient use of land, developing at highest practicable densities. General Masterplanning Principle 2 sets out a high level aspiration to focus high density development along public transport corridors and in neighbourhood centres with lower densities provided elsewhere to deliver an overall range and choice to meet different needs. The Masterplanning General Principles have informed the Site Specific principles and Schematic Frameworks for the strategic sites and will be used by the Council through the planning and design process to work with developers to design detailed masterplans. This work will include identifying appropriate densities across the strategic sites. 72

73 9. Overall Effects and Mitigation the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors (SEA Directive Annex I(f)) the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme (SEA Directive Annex I(g)) 9.1 The Local Development Plan Manual states that a sustainability appraisal should include an evaluation of the significance of the predicted effects including the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility [and] secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects. The Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister et al 25) states that the nature of the effects should be assessed. Impact prediction and evaluation 9.2 The LDP was evaluated to establish what its probable effects would be on the indicators identified in the Scoping Report, including short-term impacts (-5 years), expected to be mostly related to construction of new developments medium term impacts (6-1 years) long term impacts (11-2 years), expected to be mostly related to operation of new developments. 9.3 Table 9.1 brings together the previous appraisals of Chapters 5-8 to show what the overall/cumulative impacts of the LDP would be. Table 9.2 goes into further detail on the overall impacts of the LDP (the final row of Table 9.1), with a particular emphasis on the impacts of the proposed strategic development sites. 9.4 Overall the LDP would have significant benefits in providing the housing and employment land that Cardiff's current and future residents will need. It will help to improve access to good quality jobs, services and infrastructure for Cardiff's residents, although it is unlikely to fully redress the imbalance between the 'southern arc' of deprivation and other areas of the city. Residents' health should improve in response to better housing, access to open space, and walking and cycling facilities. The new development may draw in people who currently live or work in the Valleys, and so have indirect impacts on neighbouring authorities. 73

74 Table 9.1 Overall sustainability impacts of the LDP SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste Vision Objectives Key Policies KP1: Level Of Growth KP2: Strategic Sites * KP3(a), KP3(b) Green Wedge, settlement?? boundary KP4: Masterplanning Approach KP5: High Quality and Sustainable Design? KP6 New infrastructure, KP7 planning obls??????????? KP8: Sustainable Transport KP1: Central and Bay Business Areas KP11: Crushed Rock Aggregates and Other?? Minerals KP12: Waste?? KP13: Responding to evidenced social needs KP14: Healthy Living???? KP15: Climate Change??? KP16: Green Infrastructure? KP17: Built Heritage? KP18: Natural Resources Strategic Sites Size (ha) A. Cardiff Central Enterprise 13? Zone and Regional Trans Hub B. Former gas works, Ferry Road 12??? C. North West Cardiff 346 D. & E. North of J33 on M4 and South of Craigiau F. North East Cardiff (West of Pontprennau) G. East of Pontprennau Link Road H. South of St. Mellons business park 139 /??? /??? 24??? /? 81?? /? 99?? Cumulative impacts? 74

75 Table 9.2 Overall sustainability impacts of the LDP: short, medium and long term impacts SA Objective 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all Overall impacts S M L?? Policy KP1 aims to deliver about 4, new jobs and 41,415 new dwellings, and Policy KP2 supports this by identifying strategic sites to deliver this growth. Policy KP13 supports the delivery of affordable housing, and promotes sustainable neighbourhoods. The proposed sites together would provide substantial additional housing and employment land. However several of the strategic sites are out of the existing urban area and only a few would support regeneration of the 'southern arc' of deprivation. The large strategic sites would have poor public transport accessibility unless and until substantial new investments were made. The addition to the site specific principles of the requirement to ensure frequent public transport provision is in place prior to residential occupation of the site will help. Inequalities are likely to increase over time as the residents of outlying Greenfield sites drive through existing more deprived areas to access the city centre. 2. Maintain and improve air quality??? Policy KP18 on Natural Resources aims to minimise air pollution and manage air quality. Policy KP8 amplified by policies T1-T8 aspires to reduce travel demand and car dependence, support the delivery of high quality public transport, deliver improved bus corridors and Park and Ride/ Share schemes, and support walking and cycling. T9 seeks to work towards developing a new metro network. However the scale of growth envisaged for Cardiff will inevitably lead to more air pollution from traffic, homes and businesses. The largest strategic sites are on the edge of Cardiff, far from the city centre, and likely to be heavily car dependent. Where these sites provide for both housing and employment, the need to travel may be reduced if residents both live and work in the same area. Stronger commitments in the MACS to ensure sustainable transport infrastructure is in place early in development and to deliver a 5:5 modal split are welcome. 75

76 SA Objective 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna Overall impacts Policy KP16 on Green Infrastructure aims to protect and enhance Cardiff's areas of biodiversity, including designated sites. However the scale of development being proposed, and the amount of development that is expected to be on Greenfield sites, means that Cardiff's biodiversity will be significantly negatively affected by the LDP. Strategic site H would be 99 hectares entirely in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Several strategic sites would affect Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), though satisfactory mitigation is expected to be possible for most of these: Site C would affect one SINC Sites D and E would affect 8 SINCs and are adjacent to a river SSSI Site F would affect 9 small SINCS, is adjacent to two SSSIs, and a river valley runs through the middle of the site. Several sites also include protected species such as bats and dormice. Site H would have by far the most significant impacts. 4. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects??? Policy KP15 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, including flooding. Policies T1-T9 on transport aim to support a modal change from car use to walking, cycling and public transport. However the scale of growth envisaged for Cardiff will inevitably lead to more greenhouse gas emissions from traffic, homes and businesses. The largest strategic sites are on the edge of Cardiff, far from the city centre, and likely to be heavily car dependent. Where these sites provide for both housing and employment, the need to travel may be reduced if residents both live and work in the area. However the aspiration for a 5:5 modal split is unlikely to be achieved unless the LDP requires specified sustainable transport infrastructure and services to be in place before the sites are occupied. The addition to the site specific principles of the requirement to ensure frequent public transport provision is in place prior to residential occupation of the site will help. Of the strategic sites, Most of Site A is in flood risk zone C1 (served by significant infrastructure) Part of Site B is in zone C1 Some of Site F is in zone C2 (not served by significant infrastructure) All of site H is in zone C1: the initial suggestion is that development would require land raising and improvements to the sea wall to respond to this. 76

77 SA Objective 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage Overall impacts??? Policy KP17 on Built Heritage aims to protect and enhance Cardiff's heritage assets. Most of the proposed development sites will have no effect on the historic and cultural heritage, provided that harm to the setting of nearby historic buildings is avoided through good design. Of the strategic sites: Site B would affect one Grade II listed building Site C would affect two Grade II listed buildings and St. Fagans conservation area Sites D&E contain one Grade II listed building Site F contains one Grade I and one Grade II listed building Site G contains three Grade II and II* listed buildings plus other historic records Site H is located within an archaeologically sensitive site and most of it is in a registered Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest It would probably not be possible to mitigate the historic/ cultural impacts of Site H. 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy? Policy KP1 aims to deliver about 4, new jobs. Policy KP9 promotes new employment sites and protects existing ones. Policy KP1 supports economic development in the city centre and Bay Business Area. Cumulatively, the proposed development sites will diversify and support the city s economy. Some strategic sites outside the existing urban area may undermine the vitality and viability of the city centre, although where both housing and employment land are provided on the same site this could help to provide for a diversified economy. 7. Improve health and well-being??? Policy KP13 supports the provision of affordable housing, which would help to improve health, and encourages the provision of adequate community facilities and infrastructure, including health facilities. Policy KP14 supports healthy living by seeking to reduce health inequalities and provide accessible green spaces. Policy T1 supports walking and cycling. Policy T8 safeguards strategic recreational routes. Some of the proposed development sites will support regeneration, and new community facilities are proposed as parts of the 'package' for some larger sites which currently lack them. One of the non-strategic sites, site 18, could also provide additional community facilities for its area. Development sites outside the urban area are likely to increase car dependency, with health disbenefits. Several of the strategic sites have longer term flood risks (see 4.), and increasing air pollution would have a negative impact on people's health (see 2.). 77

78 SA Objective 8. Protect and enhance the landscape Overall impacts Policy KP16 on Green Infrastructure aims to protect and enhance the natural heritage, and Policy KP18 on Natural Resources aims to protect the city's natural resources: both will also have landscape benefits. Policy EN3 aims to protect five Special Landscape Areas. Policy KP5 on High Quality and Sustainable Design will help to ensure that new development protects and enhances the landscape. Many of the proposed development sites have been previously developed, and their development would have a neutral or positive effect on the landscape. Regeneration of the Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone (strategic site A) would be particularly beneficial. However most of the area of proposed development is Greenfield, which would have significant negative landscape impacts. Overall, the preferred strategy would lead to the development of more than 9 hectares of Greenfield land. Strategic sites D, E and H are adjacent to a potential Special Landscape Area, and site H has been identified as a high quality landscape by a study undertaken in 28. Site H is adjacent to the Newport Green Belt, and most of the site is in a registered Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest. 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality Policy KP11 aims to promote the efficient use of minerals, and Policy 25 aims to protect natural resources in the city by protecting agricultural land, water resources, and air and water quality, and remediating contaminated land. Of the strategic sites: Sites A and B have been previously developed, and their re-use would make efficient use of land. Site C may include contaminated land and Site G includes two areas of landfill: redevelopment of these sites would help to clean up this contamination. Sites C, D, E, F and H are Greenfield sites with no record of contamination, and in several cases significant amounts of high quality agricultural land would be lost. Water quality at the Severn Estuary SPA/SAC/Ramsar site and in the historic reens of the Wentloog Levels could be significantly affected by development at Site H. Mitigation of these impacts would be difficult if the site was built on raised land. Sites B, D,E and F have rivers running through/adjacent to them: careful mitigation will be needed to maintain river quality. 78

79 SA Objective 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way Overall impacts? Policy KP1 is for the delivery of about 4, new jobs and 41,415 new dwellings, and Policy KP2 supports this by identifying strategic sites to deliver this growth. The sites would help respond to clear existing demand for housing and employment sites, including identified demand for Greenfield sites. Supporting text to KP1 explains how the additional 1% flexibility allowance could, if required, be accommodated on one of the strategic sites and extensions to two others. The significant growth proposed for Cardiff could affect development of the Valleys, since it could draw people away from the Valleys to take up work or housing in Cardiff. 11. Minimise waste, increase reuse and recycling?? Policy KP12 on waste aims to reduce the generation of waste and provide adequate waste management facilities. This is amplified by the waste polices W1 and W2. However the LDP generally says relatively little about reducing waste, or promoting reuse and recycling. The scale of growth proposed in the LDP would lead to the generation of considerably more waste than at present, during both construction and operation. 9.5 Environmentally, the LDP would have some significant negative impacts. The sheer volume of development which the LDP has to provide for will inevitably result in increased total air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, use of natural resources and waste because of increased traffic, houses and employment. The LDP includes many enlightened policies to reduce these impacts. If these are fully, thoroughly and promptly implemented they could substantially reduce per capita impacts. Some of the Matters Arising Changes provide welcome strengthenings in commitments to implementation but their effectiveness is still uncertain. 9.6 The LDP provides for development of several major Greenfield sites amounting to about 92 hectares. The largest of these are located far from Cardiff city centre, so will increase transport impacts even if sustainable transport provision is made before occupants move in; and several would affect areas that are designated for their landscape or biodiversity importance, and even with the mitigation measures contained in the policies biodiversity and landscape quality are likely to decrease significantly. 9.7 Strategic Site H is particularly problematic. It comprises 99 hectares fully in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, archaeologically sensitive site, and Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest (national level designations). It is susceptible to flooding, and so the initial proposal is to raise the land and make improvements to the sea wall to protect the development from flooding. However this would affect the hydrology and water quality of the historic reens (ditches) in the area. The reens 79

80 drain to the Severn Estuary SPA/SAC/Ramsar sites, and so water quality problems in the reens could affect the integrity of those sites. Mitigation measures 9.8 Measures previously suggested to avoid or reduce the impact of individual LDP policies or proposed development sites are listed at Tables 5.2, 8.2 and 8.3. Table 9.3 proposes measures to avoid or reduce additional plan-wide impacts of the LDP. It also makes suggestions for how to improve the benefits of the LDP. Table 9.3. Changes proposed to the LDP in response to cumulative/overall impacts Significant overall / cumulative impacts of the LDP Existing deprivation and inequalities unlikely to be significantly reduced by the LDP The LDP could attract people from the Valleys to live and work in Cardiff Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions likely to increase due to remoteness of large Greenfield sites and their expected car dependence Suggestions for avoiding or minimising negative impacts or enhancing positive ones Give greater emphasis to providing housing and employment sites in the 'southern arc' of deprivation, and improving community facilities and green areas there. Consult with local authorities in the Valleys to help minimise any negative impacts on Valley communities Provide employment sites in many smaller rather than a few larger clusters, to prevent them becoming 'trip attractors' Include requirement for relevant sustainable transport infrastructure and services to be implemented before any development is occupied in strategic site masterplans 8 LDP response Policy KP13 of the Plan relating to sustainable neighbourhoods seeks to support the regeneration of deprived communities within the city and enhance communities through better equality of access to services. 65% of the need for new dwellings over the Plan period will be met from brownfield sites. Many of these sites are in the existing landbank and are located in the southern arc of deprivation where development will aid the regeneration. The LDP also protects existing employment land located within this area with resultant community benefits. Surrounding Local Authorities have been consulted on the preparation of the plan from the first stages of development. During a regional collaborative exercise at Preferred Strategy stage there was support from these authorities for the level of growth proposed in the LDP. The findings of this collaborative work are set out in the Supporting Document No. 17. The LDP provides for a range of both large and small employment sites and seeks to protect existing employment sites within the city to ensure a good spread across the city of employment opportunities. LDP Policies KP4 and KP6 require sustainable transport infrastructure and services to be delivered in a timely manner to meet the needs of existing and planned communities, and the strategic site policies under KP2 now specify infrastructure to be provided before or at the start of development.

81 Significant overall / cumulative impacts of the LDP Significant impacts on biodiversity from development on Greenfield sites, particularly Strategic site H Suggestions for avoiding or minimising negative impacts or enhancing positive ones Remove Strategic site H from the plan Include a policy in the LDP requiring strategic sites to have no net biodiversity loss this will require them to provide biodiversity benefits (perhaps off site) to offset any biodiversity losses LDP response See response below. The need to protect and enhance biodiversity and landscape features is identified in Masterplanning General Principle 9 and Policies KP4 (9) KP16, EN1, EN5, EN6 and EN7 of the LDP. The Masterplanning General Principles have informed the Site Specific Principles and Schematic Frameworks for the strategic sites which also recognise the need to protect and enhance biodiversity. These will be used by the Council through the planning and design process to work with developers to design detailed masterplans. In addition Masterplanning General Principle 8 promotes strategic green connected open spaces which will aim to protect areas of biodiversity value and provide connectivity to enable movement of wild species. Again this principle has informed the site specific Principles and Schematic frameworks which identify such features. Significant landscape and historical impacts from development on some of the Greenfield sites, particularly Strategic site H Cumulative impact on water resources is unclear Remove Strategic site H from the plan Confirm with Dŵr Cymru that water provision and wastewater treatment infrastructure will be adequate for the amount of development being proposed 81 The Site Specific Principles on page 57 of the Masterplanning Framework which forms a Supporting Document to the LDP state that the Wentloog Levels Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and Archaeologically Sensitive area will be protected. In order to ensure this it is important that the development of the site is undertaken in a sensitive manner to minimise harm. These principles will be used by the Council through the planning and design process to work with developers to design detailed masterplans. Dwr Cymru have been consulted on the preparation of the LDP from the early stages of development and have not raised any significant issues relating to capacity. Other possibilities Consider developing mini- Given the non-strategic sites which are

82 for improving benefits or reducing impacts masterplans for the non strategic sites where these sites are near to each other and could jointly provide benefits or reduce costs in a way that they could not do individually. allocated in the Deposit Plan are not directly adjacent each other this approach is not considered appropriate. 82

83 1. Next Steps 1.1 This chapter discusses what happens next: post-adoption explanation of how the SA influenced the LDP, and monitoring of the LDP's significant effects. Post adoption 'SEA statement' 1.2 Once the LDP is adopted, Cardiff Council will publish an 'SEA statement' which explains how the sustainability appraisal influenced the LDP. Publication of such an SEA statement is required by the SEA Directive (Article 9.1b). Most of that information is already available in this SA report, but the SEA statement will also include information on how further rounds of SA, and consultation comments on this report and any further SA rounds, were taken into account by the planning team. Monitoring a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring" (SEA Directive Annex I(i)) 1.3 Once a plan is adopted, the SEA Regulations require local authorities to monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of each plan or programme with the purpose of identifying unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and being able to undertake appropriate remedial action (Reg. 17), and the environmental report should describe how this might be carried out. 1.4 Much monitoring is already carried out in Cardiff for other purposes, for instance traffic counts for transport planning, and reviews of landscape and nature conservation designations as an input to national level monitoring. Appendix B shows the current situation in Cardiff, based on existing monitoring data. 1.5 The SA process has identified a range of significant environmental effects, as well as underlying assumptions of the LDP which, if they do not work out in practice, could lead to adverse effects. Table 1.1 proposes a framework to monitor these impacts. It shows: monitoring indicators that aim to measure likely effects of the LDP identified in the SA; who would monitor the indicators and how frequently; targets (positive) that the LDP will try to achieve; information about why the indicator has been proposed. 1.6 Most of the data is already being collected through existing monitoring systems. The previous proposals have been tweaked to use indicators that will be reported as part of the LDP s own monitoring for the sake of efficiency and consistency: these are identified by their monitoring reference in chapter 6 of the LDP below. However the overlap is only partial. LDP monitoring concentrates on the implementation of policies (for example, whether planning permissions are granted 83

84 that would damage designated sites) while SA monitoring is primarily concerned with outcomes (for example the condition of designated sites.) Some new monitoring is proposed here that would measure specific aspects of the LDP that are important for the sustainability of future development in Cardiff. 84

85 Table 1.1. SA monitoring framework SA objective 1. Indicator 2. Who monitors 3. Target 4. Reason for monitoring 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all The percentage of population in the 1 most deprived wards in Wales OB2 SO3 2. Maintain and improve air quality 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases The number of net additional affordable dwellings built Total number of Gypsy and Traveller pitches for residential accommodation NO2 levels Number and extent of designated sites of importance (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs, Ramsars, LNRs and SINCs, ancient woodland) Contextual Reduction Cardiff has more deprived areas than the Welsh average. The LDP aims to help redress this. 6,646 net affordable units over the remaining Plan period (representing an average of 22.8% of total housing provision Provision of affordable housing is an ongoing problem in Cardiff, with more than 1, applicants on the council housing register and more than 3 households in temporary accommodation in mid-21 OB2 SO1 Net increase Identified as being a problem by the Equalities Impact Assessment Cardiff Council Pollution Control Cardiff Council / CCW 4µg/m 3 No loss of area Condition of SSSIs CCW No reduction in condition Extent of Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats Cardiff Local Biodiv. Action No reduction in extent Traffic volumes (vehicle-km) Plan Welsh Government Many areas of the city already exceed legal standards Many of the development sites proposed in the LDP are adjacent to or include designated biodiversity sites, or include LBAP priority habitats. These should be protected as part of development of the sites The LDP aims to reduce travel demand, particularly by car, in part by improving the balance between 85

86 SA objective 1. Indicator 2. Who monitors 3. Target 4. Reason for monitoring that cause climate change and adapt to its effects % of people walking, cycling, travelling by bus and train for OB1 EC15-18 homes and jobs in Cardiff, and in part by providing jobs and services where people can reach them by non-car modes 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy each journey purpose No. residents working in Cardiff, no. people commuting out of Cardiff, no. people commuting into Cardiff Welsh Government Modal split OB1 EC14 at least 5% of all trips on Cardiff s transport network made by sustainable modes by the end of the Plan period in 226 Delivery of transport infrastructure as part of key strategic sites Permissions granted for highly vulnerable development in C1 and C2 flood risk areas Number of listed buildings, conservation areas, etc. Net job creation over the remaining Plan period Cardiff Council Transport Policy Team As per the LDP and site masterplans Several of the large Greenfield sites proposed in the LDP notably west of Pentrebane, north of J33, and west and east of Pontprennau are in relatively inaccessible locations and can only be sustainable if a high proportion of journeys can be made by modes other than car. This is unlikely to be achieved unless relevant transport infrastructure is delivered in advance of people moving into the development. OB3 EN1 and EN2 Several of the development sites proposed in the LDP are in flood risk areas. Cardiff Council Conservation Team OB1 EC9 No reduction 4, net additional jobs over plan period, 2,9 between 26 and 215 Several of the development sites proposed in the LDP could affect the historic and cultural heritage A key expected outcome of the LDP is delivery of 4, new jobs 86

87 SA objective 1. Indicator 2. Who monitors 3. Target 4. Reason for monitoring 7. Improve health Part of OB4 SN12 and well-being 8. Protect and enhance the landscape 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality Delivery of community infrastructure as part of key development sites % of journeys made by walking/cycling Percentage of population in the 1 most deprived wards in Wales in the 1% most deprived wards in Wales for physical environment Achievement of functional open space requirements Special Landscape Areas Percent of housing on previously developed land Average density of new development Area of contaminated land cleared up Parts of OB1 EC15-18 Local Government Data Unit Increase Reduction OB3 EN ha per 1 population Cardiff Council Five SLAs designated Planning Policy by plan adoption Team Cardiff Council Housing Monitoring Cardiff Council Planning Policy Team Cardiff Council Pollution Control Provision of new community facilities many of which can also improve the well-being of existing communities is expected to be a key benefit of new development. Physical activity is a key component of good health. Several LDP policies aim to increase the proportion of Cardiff residents who walk and cycle. People's physical environment, and their ease of access to recreational open space, are key contributors to health and well-being Policy EN3 is for the designation of five SLAs 6% Development on previously developed land is generally more sustainable than development on Greenfield land. Although very high density development may not be appropriate for many locations, low density development is not a good use of land and tends to increase car use. > A significant benefit of several of the proposed development sites is that they would lead to the remediation of contaminated land. 87

88 SA objective 1. Indicator 2. Who monitors 3. Target 4. Reason for monitoring 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way Total population Cardiff Council Planning Policy Team n/a The LDP aims to respond to changes in the population. If actual population levels are significantly different from those assumed for the LDP, then parts of the LDP may need to be 11. Minimise waste, increase re-use and recycling No. homes in Cardiff Cardiff Council Planning Policy Team 45,4 net additional homes by 226 Waste reduction rate Contextual Reduction per household reconsidered. A key expected outcome of the LDP is delivery of 41,1 new homes The scale of growth envisioned by the LDP would have significant impacts on overall waste generated. Reducing the amount of waste generated per household will help to reduce the impacts associated with managing this waste. 88

89 Cardiff Council & Levett-Therivel Sustainability Consultants Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Cardiff Local Development Plan Non Technical Summary Final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Cardiff Local Development Plan January 216 1

90 Introduction This Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Report tests how sustainable the Cardiff Local Development Plan (LDP) is. SA of LDPs is required by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 24 and the European Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive. SA identifies the LDP's likely significant economic, environmental and social effects, and aims to minimise any negative effects and maximise positive ones. Cardiff Council carried out the SA with the help of consultants. The SA findings were taken into account by the planning team, who changed parts of the LDP in response to the SA. The planning team also attended several SA workshops. A1: Policy context A2: Baseline information A3: sustainability issues and problems B2: Developing alternatives A5: Consulting on the scope of SA B1: Testing the LDP objectives against the appraisal framework A4: Developing an SA framework B3: Predicting the effects of the LDP and alternatives Figure 1 shows the SA process. A Scoping Report of October 21 reviewed background policies and baseline information, and described the economic, social and environmental issues affecting Cardiff. It set up an appraisal framework which was then used to B4: Evaluating the effects of the draft LDP and alternatives B6: Proposing monitoring measures B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects Figure 1. The sustainability appraisal process assess different alternatives to the LDP and parts of the LDP. Where the LDP would have negative impacts, suggestions were made for reducing them. The process was repeated several times as the LDP was developed. 2

91 The Local Development Plan The LDP sets out: the key trends, issues and policies that have informed it; the Council s vision and objectives for future development of Cardiff; the growth options and sites that the Council has considered for development; the kinds, amounts and locations of development that will be provided for over the plan period, including a Key Diagram (Figure 2); Policies setting out detailed standards and requirements for how development will be done, supporting infrastructure provided, and the environment protected. Figure 2. LDP key diagram 3

92 A1. Policy context Many policies and plans, from the international to the local level, influence Cardiff's LDP. These include the recent Planning Policy Wales 212 edition; consultation on a Sustainable Development Bill for Wales; and National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales. Key messages from this policy context are that the LDP should: 1. Access and equality Ensure that everyone has access to good quality housing, jobs, services and facilities. Secure a safer and more accessible environment for everyone. Promote social inclusion and equality of opportunity. 2. Air quality Take account of the effects of development on air quality and vice versa, and meet air quality standards. 3. Biodiversity, flora & fauna 4. Climate change 5. Cultural and historic Protect and enhance biodiversity, natural habitats and wild fauna and flora. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3%, with overall reductions of at least 4% by 22. Plan for and respond to climate changes, including flooding. Protect the historic environment and cultural heritage. Strengthen Wales cultural identity including the Welsh language. Enhance Cardiff s status as a centre of cultural excellence. 6. Economy Promote Cardiff's role as a world-class Capital City by developing a diverse, competitive, high added value economy. Enhance employment opportunities for all. Ensure that employment development respects the environment. Secure good retail provision and support town centres. 7. Health and well-being Improve health and well-being, and tackle poverty and inequality. Increase participation in sport and physical activity. Improve quality of life and enable social progress for everyone. 8. Landscape Protect and enhance the landscape, including the countryside, the undeveloped coast, river valleys and other green spaces. 9. Natural resources Minimise the use of non-renewable resources, use resources efficiently, and encourage the use of renewable resources. Protect the countryside and good quality agricultural land. Re-use previously developed land. Reduce the need for water resources and use water efficiently. Minimise impacts on water quality, river ecology and groundwater. Safeguard mineral resources and encourage their efficient use. 1. Population Provide an adequate supply of land to meet society s needs. Ensure that everyone has good quality housing and access to jobs, facilities and services. 11. Waste Promote the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover energy and only then landfill. Manage waste without harming human health or the environment. 4

93 A2. Baseline information Much information about Cardiff's economic, social and environmental condition was collected as part of the SA. Figure 3 shows the main constraints to development in Cardiff: environmental, landscape and historic designations and areas of flooding. Figure 4 shows, in darker shades, Cardiff's 'southern arc' of more deprived wards. Figure 3. Constraints to development Figure 4. Index of Multiple Deprivation 211 5

94 A3. Sustainability issues and problems The main economic, environmental and social issues affecting Cardiff are: 1. Access and equality Cardiff contains some of the most deprived areas in Wales and a significant number of homeless people. The cost of housing - particularly family housing - is excluding those on low incomes from entering the housing market. 2. Air quality Cardiff has three air quality management areas. Levels of other air pollutants are within current standards. 3. Biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. Climate change 5. Cultural and historic Cardiff has many sites designated for their biodiversity. Cardiff s biodiversity is vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation through new development. Carbon dioxide emissions are going down after decades of growth, although this is probably largely due to the economic recession and to importing rather than making more goods. Traffic flows into and within the city centre are going down, but those outside the city centre are increasing. Many people commute into Cardiff from other parts of South East Wales. Energy use in buildings causes about one-third of Cardiff s carbon dioxide emissions. Much of Cardiff is low-lying and at risk of flooding. Little renewable energy is being produced in Cardiff. Cardiff contains many buildings and monuments with historic value. About 3% of listed buildings are not in a favourable condition. 6. Economy Cardiff is important to the regional economy. Jobs in Cardiff grew rapidly in the decade to 28. Employment has since dropped as a result of the recession, and Cardiff struggles to match its employment growth with a growth in pay. Much employment land has recently changed to housing. 7. Health and well-being Cardiff s population is healthier than the Welsh average but over half of Cardiff s adults are overweight, and less than a third are active enough. Life expectancy and crime levels vary sharply across the city: residents of the best wards live on average 1 years longer than those of the worst wards. 8. Landscape Five areas have been proposed as Special Landscape Areas. More than two-thirds of Cardiff's area is within easy walking distance to natural green spaces, but only two of Cardiff's 29 wards meet national open space targets. 9. Natural resources Recently almost all new housing has been built on previously developed (brownfield) land. Much has been apartments with relatively little family housing. Cardiff's industrial past has left many potentially contaminated sites. Cardiff provides minerals (aggregates) for the region. Water quality in Cardiff's rivers is improving, but is far from achieving the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Over- 6

95 abstraction of water from Cardiff's rivers is a concern. 1. Population Cardiff s population has increased steadily over the past 2 years, and the number of households in Cardiff is expected to rise from 132,18 in 26 to 174,471 in 226. Providing a good choice of housing (and associated services and infrastructure) for this population growth will be a challenge. 11. Waste The largest source of waste in Cardiff is construction/demolition, followed by commercial/industrial and then household waste. Household waste has dropped sharply in the last five years, and the proportion of waste that is recycled and composted grew from 3% to 49% between 21 and 212. A4. SA framework An 'SA framework' was developed to help identify the impacts of various parts of the LDP. The framework is basically a series of questions about the LDP's sustainability. The main questions are: Does the LDP (or a particular part of the LDP): 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all? 2. Maintain and improve air quality? 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna? 4 Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects? 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage? 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy? 7. Improve health and well-being? 8. Protect and enhance the landscape? 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality? 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way? 11. Minimise waste, increase re-use and recycling? A5. Consultation on the Scoping Report A Scoping Report with this information was sent out for consultation in November 21. Fourteen comments were received on the report. The report was then changed to take these comments into account, and was updated again in August 212. B1. Testing the LDP objectives against the SA framework The LDP vision and objectives were tested against the SA framework and broadly found to have positive impacts. Some suggestions were made to further improve the objectives. The planning team made most of the suggested changes. 7

96 B2. Developing alternatives Several strategic alternatives were considered for the LDP, and their impacts were identified using the SA framework. Different levels of future growth High growth: about 54,4 new homes and 55, new jobs Medium growth: about 45,4 new homes and 4, new jobs Low: about 36,5 new homes and 26, new jobs No growth was not considered reasonable because Cardiff's population is expected to rise, and the number of households is expected to rise even faster due to people living longer, divorcing etc. The medium growth option was preferred because it would provide the best balance of social and economic benefits versus environmental costs. In the light of further population modelling which predicted lower growth than before, this was revised down to 41,415 new homes though with flexibility to go back up to 45,415 towards the end of the plan period if needed. Different broad locations for housing and employment development Dispersed brownfield sites; Greenfield sites west of Pentrebane; Greenfield sites south of Creigiau/ north of Junction 33; Greenfield site north of M4 at Thornhill; Greenfield sites west and east of Pontprennau; Greenfield sites around Old St Mellons village; Greenfield sites in the east- largely employment uses; and Dispersed smaller greenfield sites. Of these, north of M4 at Thornhill and Old St Mellons were not included in the Preferred Strategy because they are in relatively isolated locations, would not provide adequate services, and be mostly car-based. North of M4 would also have significant landscape impacts. Different specific sites for development Based on information received from landowners and developers, and planners' expert knowledge, a total of 112 sites were considered, plus different combinations of these sites. A pro forma was prepared for each site to show its size, constraints and opportunities, and whether (and why) it is included in the Preferred Strategy or not. B3./B4. Predicting and evaluating the impacts of the alternatives and draft LDP The impacts of all the alternatives and of each policy were appraised using the SA framework. Table 1 shows what the overall impacts of the LDP would be, and Table 2 provides further details on these. 8

97 Overall the LDP would have significant benefits in providing the housing and employment land that Cardiff's current and future residents will need. It will help to improve access to good quality jobs, services and infrastructure for Cardiff's residents, although it is unlikely to fully redress the imbalance between the 'southern arc' of deprivation and other areas of the city. Residents' health should improve in response to better housing, access to open space, and walking and cycling facilities. The new development may draw in people who currently live or work in the Valleys, and so have indirect impacts on neighbouring authorities. Table 1. Overall sustainability impacts of the LDP SA objective 1. Equality 2. Air quality 3. Biodiversity 4. Climate change 5. Heritage 6. Economy 7. Health and wellbeing 8. Landscape 9. Natural resources 1. Demographic change 11. Waste Vision Objectives Key Policies KP1: Level Of Growth KP2: Strategic Sites * KP3(a), KP3(b) Green Wedge, settlement?? boundary KP4: Masterplanning Approach KP5: High Quality and Sustainable Design? KP6 New infrastructure, KP7 planning obls??????????? KP8: Sustainable Transport KP1: Central and Bay Business Areas KP11: Crushed Rock Aggregates and Other?? Minerals KP12: Waste?? KP13: Responding to evidenced social needs KP14: Healthy Living???? KP15: Climate Change??? KP16: Green Infrastructure? KP17: Built Heritage? KP18: Natural Resources Strategic Sites Size (ha) A. Cardiff Central Enterprise 13? Zone and Regional Trans Hub B. Former gas works, Ferry Road 12??? C. North West Cardiff 346 D. & E. North of J33 on M4 and South of Craigiau F. North East Cardiff (West of Pontprennau) G. East of Pontprennau Link Road H. South of St. Mellons business park 139 /??? /??? 24??? /? 81?? /? 99?? Cumulative impacts? 9

98 Environmentally, the LDP would have some significant negative impacts. The sheer volume of development which the LDP has to provide for will inevitably result in increased total air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, use of natural resources and waste because of increased traffic, houses and employment. The LDP includes many enlightened policies to reduce these impacts. If these are fully, thoroughly and promptly implemented they could substantially reduce per capita impacts. Some of the Matters Arising Changes provide welcome strengthenings in commitments to implementation, but their effectiveness is still uncertain, and the downgrading of the former Green Belt policy to Green Wedge may in the longer term weaken the Council s ability to push development to more sustainable brownfield sites within the city. The LDP provides for development of several major Greenfield sites amounting to about 92 hectares. The largest of these are located far from Cardiff city centre, so will increase transport impacts even if sustainable transport provision is made before occupants move in; and several would affect areas that are designated for their landscape or biodiversity importance, and even with the mitigation measures contained in the policies biodiversity and landscape quality are likely to decrease significantly. Strategic Site H is particularly problematic. It comprises 99 hectares fully in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, archaeologically sensitive site, and Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest (national level designations). It is susceptible to flooding, and so the initial proposal is to raise the land and make improvements to the sea wall to protect the development from flooding. However this would affect the hydrology and water quality of the historic reens (ditches) in the area. The reens drain to the Severn Estuary SPA/SAC/Ramsar sites, and so water quality problems in the reens could affect the integrity of those sites. Table 2. Overall sustainability impacts of the LDP SA objective Overall impact of LDP 1. Help deliver equality of opportunity and access for all The LDP aims to deliver about 4, new jobs and 41,415 new dwellings, supports the delivery of affordable housing, and promotes sustainable neighbourhoods. The proposed sites together would provide much new housing and employment land. However several of the strategic sites are out of the existing urban area and only a few would support regeneration of the 'southern arc' of deprivation. Inequalities are likely to increase over time as the residents of outlying Greenfield sites drive through, and use the services of, 2. Maintain and improve air quality existing more deprived areas. The LDP aims to minimise air pollution; promote walking, cycling and public transport; and aspires for less than half of journeys from new developments to be by car. However the scale of growth envisaged for Cardiff will inevitably lead to more air pollution from traffic, homes and businesses. The large strategic development sites are on the edge of Cardiff, far from the city centre, and likely to be heavily car dependent. 1

99 3. Protect and enhance biodiversity, flora and fauna 4. Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change and adapt to its effects 5. Protect and enhance historic and cultural heritage 6. Help deliver the growth of a sustainable and diversified economy 7. Improve health and wellbeing 8. Protect and enhance the landscape The LDP aims to protect and enhance Cardiff's areas of biodiversity. However the scale of development being proposed, including more than 9 hectares of Greenfield sites, means that Cardiff's biodiversity will be significantly negatively affected by the LDP. Strategic site H would be 99 hectares entirely in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is by far the most problematic site. Several other strategic sites would affect Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. The LDP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, including flooding. Its transport policies support a change from car use to walking, cycling and public transport. However the scale of growth envisaged for Cardiff will inevitably lead to more greenhouse gas emissions from traffic, homes and businesses. The largest strategic sites are on the edge of Cardiff, far from the city centre, and likely to be heavily car dependent even if the sustainable transport infrastructure and services planned are delivered. Parts of strategic sites B and F are in flood risk zones, as is all of site H.? The LDP aims to protect and enhance Cardiff's heritage assets. Most of the proposed development sites will have little or significant effect on the historic and cultural heritage: about a dozen listed buildings would be affected, and Site H is in the Wentloog Levels Archaeologically Sensitive Area and Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest. The LDP aims to deliver about 4, new jobs, promote new employment sites, and protect existing ones. The proposed development sites will diversify and support the city s economy. Some strategic sites outside the existing urban area may undermine the vitality and viability of the city centre, although where both housing and employment land are provided on the same site this could help to make the economy more sustainable. The LDP supports the provision of affordable housing, good community facilities, green spaces, and routes for walking and cycling. All of these would help to improve health. Some of the proposed development sites will help to regenerate existing communities, and new community facilities are proposed as parts of the 'package' for some larger sites which currently lack them. Several of the strategic sites have longer term flood risks, and increasing car use and air pollution would harm people's health. The LDP aims to protect and enhance the natural heritage, designate new Special Landscape Areas, and promote high quality and sustainable design. Some of the proposed development sites have been previously developed, and would have a neutral or positive effect on the landscape. Regeneration of the Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone (strategic site A) would be particularly beneficial. However most of the area of proposed development more than 9 hectares - is Greenfield, which would have significant negative landscape impacts. Site H is in a Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest (Wentloog Levels). 11

100 9. Use natural resources efficiently and safeguard their quality 1. Respond to demographic changes in a sustainable way 11. Minimise waste, increase re-use and recycling The LDP aims to promote the efficient use of minerals, remediate contaminated land, and protect agricultural land, water resources, and air and water quality. Where proposed development sites are on previously developed land or include contaminated land, their redevelopment would have a positive effect. Sites C, D, E, F, and H are Greenfield sites with no record of contamination, and several include high quality agricultural land. Water quality could be significantly affected by development at Sites B, D, F and H. The LDP aims to deliver about 4, new jobs and 41,415 new dwellings. This would help respond to clear existing demand for housing and employment sites, including identified demand for Greenfield sites. The significant growth proposed for Cardiff could draw people away from the Valleys to take up work or housing in Cardiff. The LDP aims to reduce the production of waste and provide adequate waste management facilities. However it says relatively little about reducing waste, or promoting reuse and recycling. The scale of growth proposed in the LDP would lead to considerably more waste being produced than at present, during both construction and operation. B5. Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects The appraisal process resulted in many suggestions for reducing the negative impacts of the LDP and enhancing its benefits. Most of these suggestions led to changes in the LDP, including: Rewording of LDP objectives, to better cover waste issues and give more emphasis to healthy food choices; Stronger and more systematic consideration of sustainability issues in the process of sifting and choosing between potential candidate development sites by the planning team; Removal of a key policy that duplicated another one; Greater emphasis to reducing the need to travel by car, making facilities accessible by walking and cycling, ensuring good public transport before remote greenfield sites are occupied, and resilience to climate change; Reference to industrial and domestic sources of air pollution as well as transport pollution, and promotion of remediation of contaminated land. 12

101 B6. Proposing monitoring measures Once the LDP is adopted, its actual impacts will be monitored to make sure that unexpected effects are identified and dealt with. Much monitoring is already carried out in Cardiff for other purposes, for instance traffic counts for transport planning. This can also be used to monitor the effects of the LDP. However some new monitoring is proposed here that would measure important sustainability aspects of the LDP. Next steps Once the LDP is adopted, Cardiff Council will publish an 'SEA statement' which explains how the sustainability appraisal influenced the LDP. 13

102 Cardiff Council & Levett-Therivel Sustainability Consultants Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Cardiff Local Development Plan Appendix A: Policy Review Final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Cardiff Local Development Plan January 216

103 Appendix A. Policy Review This appendix contains the reviews of all plans, policies, programmes and strategies listed in Table 2.1 of the Scoping Report. It should be read together with the updated Scoping Report (and Appendix 2) and the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report. An earlier version of this Appendix, covering nearly 1 policies, plans and programmes, was produced in 26. This was comprehensively updated in autumn 21 and again in August 212 with focused updates in August 213. It was also rationalised by removing redundant and less relevant policies, plans and programmes, so as to focus on those policies that are most significant and recent. It is thus not an exhaustive review of all potentially relevant policy documents, but rather a sufficient, 'fit for purpose' review which sets out the main policy landscape within which the LDP is being prepared. The Council will keep the policy landscape under review and up date as and when necessary. General / overarching PPPs UK Planning Act 28 Introduces a new process for deciding planning permission for nationally significant infrastructure projects, and power for planning authorities to charge a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) on most types of new development. Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 211 Provide for the imposition of a CIL. Wales One Wales: One Planet, a new Sustainable Development Scheme for Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 29) Sets out WAG s vision of a sustainable Wales: Sustainable development will be the central organising principle of the WAG Within a generation, Wales should only use its fair share of the earth's resources Wales should have healthy, functioning ecosystems that are biologically diverse and productive and managed sustainably Wales should have a resilient and sustainable economy that is able to develop whilst stabilising, then reducing, its use of natural resources and reducing its contribution to climate change Wales should have safe, sustainable, attractive communities in which people live Implications for the LDP LDP team should contribute to Infrastructure Planning Commission consultations to seek to secure decisions consistent with LDP aims Consider whether charging a CIL could help achieve LDP objectives LDP team should consider whether and how CIL can be used to help fund and deliver infrastructure in Cardiff. Additionally, an infrastructure delivery plan will need to be developed in tandem with the LDP to ensure that infrastructure is delivered appropriately and sustainably throughout the plan period and to ensure that CIL and S16 funding can be directed and fully utilised. The LDP can assist sustainable development objectives through a wide range of measures identified alongside policy documents dealing with specific topics/issues 1

104 General / overarching PPPs and work, have access to services, and enjoy good health and can play their full roles as citizens Wales should be just and bilingual. All citizens should be empowered to determine their own lives, shape their communities and achieve their full potential A Sustainable Wales: Better Choices for a Better Future: Consultation on proposals for a Sustainable Development Bill (Welsh Government December 212) builds on earlier consultations to propose a stronger duty that requires specified public service organisations [including local authorities] to embed sustainable development as their central organising principle, with supporting measures Natural Resource Management Programme (Welsh Government 213) The programme will include: Natural resource management policy, including the setting of national priorities the Environment Bill embedding the ecosystem approach, including associated demonstration projects which will showcase the benefits this approach can bring, and from which we can learn about how and when the approach can be used working with Natural Resources Wales and coordinating performance management arrangements communications, engagement and knowledge sharing. Wales Spatial Plan 28 Update (Welsh Assembly Government 28) The National Vision is: "We will sustain our communities by tackling the challenge presented by population and economic change. We will grow in ways which will increase Wales' competitiveness while assisting less well-off areas to catch up on general prosperity levels and reducing negative environmental impacts. We will enhance the natural and built environment and we will sustain our distinctive identity". Subsections of the plan involve: building sustainable communities promoting a sustainable economy Implications for the LDP Indicates continuing commitment to sustainable development and proposes further strengthening of local authorities powers and duties to promote it. The ecosystem approach systematically identifies the benefits from the environment that matter for human wellbeing, and what needs to be done to maintain or compenate for them. It offers a basis for setting constraints and conditions for development, including offsetting and compensation, to ensure no net loss of public benefits. It is potentially a powerful tool for making operational the LDP s environmental aims. Masterplanning of one or more of Cardiff s strategic sites could make an interesting demonstration project, and the results of this programme should inform the later stages of development of all of them. LDPs must have regard to the Wales Spatial Plan. For Cardiff, the plan priorities are: The area will function as a networked city region, on a scale to realise its international potential, its national role and to reduce inequalities A fully integrated high quality transport system is necessary for this to happen. Over the 2 year horizon of the Wales Spatial Plan, all the Area s key settlements should be linked to Cardiff or Newport by suitable high capacity public transport The success of the Area relies on Cardiff developing its capital functions, together with strong and distinctive roles of other towns and cities 2

105 General / overarching PPPs valuing our environment achieving sustainable accessibility respecting distinctiveness The Plan also includes a distinct vision for each area of Wales. The vision for the Capital Region which includes Cardiff is for "An innovative skilled area offering a high quality of life international yet distinctly Welsh. It will compete internationally by increasing its global visibility through stronger links between the Valleys and the coast and with the UK and Europe, helping to spread prosperity within the area and benefiting other parts of Wales." Planning Policy Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 211) Replaces Planning Policy Wales 22 and previous Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements. Sets out WAG s land use planning policies and how these can help achieve its goals for: Planning for sustainability Conserving and improving natural heritage and the coast Conserving the historic environment Supporting the economy Transport Housing Planning for retailing and town centres Tourism, sport and recreation Infrastructure and services Minimising and managing environmental risks and pollution Gives strong and detailed emphasis to climate change (reduction and adaptation) Environment Strategy for Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 26) Sets out the Welsh Government s long-term strategy for the environment of Wales and sets the strategic direction until 226. The Vision is By 226, we want to see our distinctive Welsh environment thriving and contributing to the economic and social wellbeing and health of all Implications for the LDP It sets as measures of success for the Capital region: A working city region that can adapt creatively to economic change and innovate to improve A learning city region that grows talent, provides lifelong opportunities and attracts talent from elsewhere A connected city region that aids accessibility for goods and people and encourages sustainable transport choices A living city region that provides a high quality natural and built environment complemented by high quality green space, promoting healthy, strong communities and a strong civic culture. Achieving a networked environment region will be a key part of this A lively city region that provides a buzz in culture, tourism, shopping and leisure A low-carbon city region that reduces its resource use, energy and travel footprint and greenhouse gas emissions A well-governed city region with community involvement and strategic national engagement States that every local planning authority in Wales must prepare an LDP, which will set the structure for a plan-led planning system The LDP can assist sustainable development objectives through a wide range of measures identified alongside policy documents dealing with specific topics/issues Through this strategy the Welsh Government are committed to tackling climate change, conserving and enhancing biodiversity, land, resources and heritage, and the built environment through policy. Additionally there are priorities that direct implications for the community strategy, which the LDP must have regard for. 3

106 General / overarching PPPs of the people of Wales Cardiff Cardiff Integrated Partnership Strategy: What Matters 21:22 The 1 Year Strategy: Cardiff s What Matters Strategy (21 22) combines the Community Strategy, Children & Young People s Plan; Health Social Care & Wellbeing Strategy and the Community Safety Strategic Assessment programmes into one consolidated document. The vision of What Matters is By 22 Cardiff will be world class European capital city with an exceptional quality of life and at the heart of a thriving region Under the vision there are 7 outcomes, these are: People in Cardiff are healthy; People in Cardiff have a clean, attractive and sustainable environment; People in Cardiff are safe and feel safe; Cardiff has a thriving and prosperous economy; People in Cardiff achieve their full potential; Cardiff is a great place to live, work and play; and Cardiff is a fair, just and inclusive society Cardiff A Proud Capital: Cardiff Community Strategy (Cardiff Council 27) The vision is "To ensure that Cardiff is a world class European capital city with an exceptional 'quality of life' and at the heart of a competitive city region". Includes an economic, social and environmental vision, and 'Cardiff connections' about public services. Cardiff Council Sustainable Development Policy Statement and Action Programme (Cardiff Council 29) States the Council s commitment to sustainable development. Implications for the LDP The statutory consultees, the Wales Local Government Association and many other organisations are committed to progressing this strategy through its action plans. The LDP takes its vision and the basis for its strategic objectives from this document. The vision and direction of What Matters is central to the vision for Cardiff and is key material consideration for the LDP. S62 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 24 prescribes that LDPs must have regard to the Community Strategy for the area of the plan. Planning-related themes of the strategy include: Improvement and expansion of Cardiff's cultural and sporting offer Enhanced collaboration between Cardiff and other local authorities to promote the regeneration of south-east Wales Establishment of Cardiff as a hub for high growth, knowledge-intensive sectors Development of Cardiff as a leading tourism, leisure and conference destination Improved, sustainable transport Promotes a range of sustainable development priorities for Cardiff, including sustainable design, increased recycling and composting, carbon reduction and energy efficiency 4

107 Access and equality PPPs Wales and South East Wales Wales Transport Strategy (ESG, 28) Sets out the role that transport can play in delivering WAG s agenda of integrating transport with spatial planning, economic development, education, health, social services, environment and tourism. Main expected outcomes are: Improved access to a range of services and facilities Encouragement of healthy lifestyles Improvements in the safety of travel Improved connectivity within Wales and internationally Improved movement of freight and people Reduced impacts on climate change, air quality, the local environment, heritage and biodiversity It emphasises the importance of Cardiff International Airport, and public transport links to the airport. Technical Advice Note 18: Transport (Welsh Assembly Government 27) Provides guidance on how land use planning can promote more sustainable travel demand and forms of transport. Wales: National Transport Plan (March 21) Implications for the LDP In preparing the LDPs the Council should: Integrate with transport policy and traffic management; and have regard to road traffic reduction targets, air quality requirements and Local Transport Plan proposals Foster improvements to transport facilities and services which maintain or improve accessibility to services and facilities, secure employment, economic and environmental objectives, and improve safety and amenity Promote measures to facilitate public transport, walking and cycling, and movement of freight by rail and ship Locate development, particularly major generators of travel demand, so as to minimise that demand, particular by cars and other motor vehicles, and where it is accessible by a range of forms of travel/transport Promote mixed use developments Promote good design that provides an environment that is accessible for everyone As above The National Transport Plan sits alongside the regional transport plans in assisting the delivery of the Wales Transport Plans. The National Transport Plan concentrates on delivering transport integration across Wales and ensuring that provision is consistent including measures such as ticket integration, local guidance on speed limits, and the appropriate direction of new transport infrastructure. The National Transport Plan includes actions for Wales as a whole and specific actions for strategic transport connections. 5

108 Access and equality PPPs South East Wales Regional Transport Plan (South East Wales Transport Alliance 21) Replaces the Cardiff Local Transport Plan. Its priorities are to (in priority order): 1. improve access for all to services, facilities and employment, particularly by walking, cycling and public transport 2. increase the proportions of trips undertaken by walking, cycling and public transport 3. minimise demand on the transport system 4. develop an efficient, safe and reliable transport system, with improved links between the 14 key settlements in South East Wales, and between South East Wales and elsewhere 5. encourage healthy and active lifestyles 6. reduce significantly the emission of greenhouse gases and the impact of the transport system on local communities 7. ensure developments are accessible by sustainable transport and make sustainable transport an integral component of regeneration schemes 8. make better use of the existing transport system Cardiff Cardiff Sustainable Travel City In March 29 the Welsh Government designated Cardiff as Wales' first Sustainable Travel City (STC) and a pathfinder for a wider initiative. Implications for the LDP The LDP should both support and exploit these measures. Initiatives to help make sustainable modes of travel easier to use include: improving bus access in the city centre making St Mary Street more pedestrian friendly improving links between the city centre and Cardiff Bay expanding the Cycling Network the Pont-y-Werin Bridge, linking Penarth to the International Sports Village Bus Corridors and other infrastructure to support public transport new Park and Ride/ Park and Share scheme Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) a Smart City Hub which will help to keep the transport infrastructure in the city flowing. 6

109 Air quality PPPs International EC Directive 1966/62/EC on Ambient Air Quality and Management (as amended by Directives 1999/3/EC, 2/69/EC and 22/3/EC) Establishes mandatory standards for air quality and set limits and guide values for air pollutants. Wales Air Quality Standard (Wales) Regulations 21 Implements the European standards in Wales Implications for the LDP Locational policies in LDPs should take account of the effects of development on air quality and vice versa. The LDP should include: Strategic policies on the location of potentially polluting developments and criteria by which applications for such developments should be determined Realistic provision for the types of industry or facility that may be a potential source of pollution Policies and proposals to ensure that incompatible uses of land are separated, in order to avoid potential conflict The LDP can also contribute to maintaining and improving air quality by locating development so as to minimise travel demand, particularly by motor vehicles, and where it is accessible by a range of forms of travel/transport, including walking, cycling, public transport and alternatives to movement of freight by road. As above Biodiversity, flora and fauna PPPs International EC Directive 1992/43/EEC on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (Habitats Directive) Protects important habitats and species through the establishment of a European network of Natura 2 sites. Establishes process of Appropriate Assessment for considering the impact of plans and projects on European sites. EC Directive 1979/49/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds (Birds Directive) Protects Europe s wild birds including through the establishment of a European network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as a Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention 1971 as amended) Requires signatories to designate and protect wetlands of international importance, to promote wetlands generally and to foster the wise use of wetland areas, in recognition of their importance as a habitat for waterfowl. UK Implications for the LDP Appropriate Assessment / Habitats Regulations Assessment must be undertaken during LDP preparation, to assess the implications of the plan for SPAs, SACs and Ramsar sites (including any in neighbouring authorities) whose integrity may be adversely affected by the plan. Appropriate assessments are also required for all projects that have the potential to affect site integrity. In addition, the LDP should: Include detailed policies for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of international, national and local designated sites, reflecting their relative significance Provide criteria against which developments affecting the different types of designated site will be assessed Identify the areas to which such policies apply 7

110 Biodiversity, flora and fauna PPPs Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994 (amended 27) Implements the Habitats Directive. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by Schedule 9 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2) Places a duty on all public bodies, including local planning authorities to further the conservation and enhancement of the features by reason of which a Site of Special Scientific Interest is of special interest. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2 Places a duty on the National Assembly to take (or encourage others to take) reasonably practicable steps to further the conservation, restoration or enhancement of those species and habitat types identified by the Assembly as priorities for biological conservation. NERC Act (Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill) 26 Section 4(1) of the NERC Act places a duty upon public bodies, in carrying out their function, to regard the conservation of biodiversity. The key target for this act is Local Authorities. Wales Technical Advice Note 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (Welsh Assembly Government 29) Provides advice about how the land use planning system should contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geological conservation. The planning system should: work to achieve nature conservation objectives through a partnership between local planning authorities, CCW, the Environment Agency Wales, voluntary organisations, developers, landowners and other key stakeholders integrate nature conservation into all planning decisions, looking for development to deliver social, economic and environmental objectives together ensure that the UK s international and national obligations for site, species and habitat protection are fully met in all planning decisions look for development to provide a net benefit for biodiversity conservation with no significant loss of habitats or populations Implications for the LDP As above Policies and proposals in LDPs must be informed by international obligations and the Assembly s objectives for the conservation and improvement of the natural environment and biodiversity, including the proper protection of statutorily designated sites and species. The LDP should: Include detailed policies for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of international, national and local designated sites, reflecting their relative significance Provide criteria against which developments affecting the different types of designated site will be assessed DEFRA guidance on the biodiversity duty for local authorities sets out the importance of planning system for the conservation of biodiversity. The LDP should consider impacts on biodiversity and this will be achieved through the statutory requirement for SEA. The LDP should: Develop an ambitious vision that includes healthy, functioning ecosystems, a wealth of native wildlife and natural features, and the habitats and natural processes on which they will depend Incorporate international and Welsh Assembly Government nature conservation objectives into its plan objectives Have regard to other plans and strategies such as Shoreline, Estuary, Integrated Coastal Zone and River Basin Management Plans The LDP should include policies that: Set out criteria against which development proposals will be tested for their compatibility with nature conservation objectives and/or sustainable development principles Give local expression to the protection and, where possible, enhancement of species, habitats, and designated sites Provide for the conservation, enhancement, management and, where appropriate, restoration of woodlands, veteran trees and other trees of nature conservation value; 8

111 Biodiversity, flora and fauna PPPs of species, locally or nationally help to ensure that development does not damage, or restrict access to, or the study of, geological sites and features or impede the evolution of natural processes and systems especially on rivers and the coast forge and strengthen links between the planning system and biodiversity action planning, particularly through LDP policies and the preparation of supplementary planning guidance accommodate and reduce the effects of climate change by encouraging development that will reduce damaging emissions and energy consumption and that help habitats and species to respond to climate change South East Wales Severn Estuary European Marine Site Management Scheme (Natural England, CCW, WAG 29) A management scheme for the Severn Estuary SAC/SPA/Ramsar site aimed at ensuring that relevant authorities undertake their statutory duty to deliver the requirements of the Habitats Directive to conserve the species and habitats of the designated area. Cardiff Cardiff Local Biodiversity Action Plan (CCW, Cardiff Council, CBP, WAG 28) Sets targets for many of the most important species and habitats in Cardiff: calcareous grassland, gardens and allotments, maritime cliffs and slopes, neutral grassland, ponds, reedbeds, purple moor grass and rush pasture, woodland, bats, childing pink, dormouse, great crested newt, hawfinch, otter, pied flycatcher, reptiles, silver-washed fritillary, stag beetle, water vole, waxcap species. It promotes the maintenance of extent and distribution of habitats, and an improvement in their condition; and the maintenance of the range and population of species, and an improvement over time. Implications for the LDP locally distinctive natural habitats; and networks of habitats including wildlife corridors Encourage the conservation and management of features of the landscape of major importance for wild flora and fauna Draw attention to the requirement for appropriate assessment of projects likely to have a significant effect on an internationally designated site Create strong links to national and local Biodiversity Action Plans and help to meet their targets by habitat creation and management Address the implications of climate change, including potential effects of habitat change, the risks of coastal flooding and erosion and river basin flood management issues Propose necessary new development in ways and at locations that are consistent with nature conservation objectives Appropriate Assessment / Habitats Regulations Assessment for the LDP and projects that could affect the integrity of the Severn Estuary SAC/SPA/ Ramsar site must take account of this management scheme The LDP should: Support the achievement of LBAP targets Provide for the conservation and, where appropriate, enhancement of biodiversity outside statutorily designated sites, in particular identifying opportunities to conserve important local habitats and species, and to safeguard and manage landscape features of major importance for nature conservation Provide the opportunity for people to access biodiversity in Cardiff 9

112 Climate change PPPs UK Climate Change Act 28 Gives the UK government a statutory duty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% between 199 and 25, and by at least 34% by 22. It also establishes a carbon budgeting system which caps emissions over five-year periods. Flood Risk Regulations (29) The European draft Directive 27/6/EC on the assessment of flood risks (the flood directive) is transposed in to UK, and Welsh, law through the Flood Risk Regulations (29). These Regulations require that the competent authorities produces the following documents: Preliminary flood risk assessments (by December 211) Flood hazard maps (by December 213) Flood risk management plans (by December 215). Flood and Water Management Act (DEFRA 21) The Flood and Water Management Act sets out specific provisions on: roles and responsibilities for flood and coastal erosion risk management reservoir safety flood resilience within properties sustainable drainage systems drought measures development of a project based delivery approach for large infrastructure projects in the water sector Implications for the LDP The LDP should play its part in delivering these targets by: Promoting renewable methods of energy production and their use in new development Promoting energy efficiency and energy conservation in new development Promoting other measures that mitigate the causes of climate change (e.g. the protection/enhancement of carbon sinks) Ensuring that the location and design of new development has regard to the potential risk, causes and consequences of flooding Locating and designing development so as to minimise travel demand, particular by cars and other motor vehicles, and where it is accessible by a range of forms of travel/transport Promoting mixed use development The LDP team will need to refer to and consider the flood risks highlighted in these documents as they emerge. The LDP Should: consider flood and coastal erosion risk consider flood risk to new developments and existing properties The Flood and Water Management Acts places the responsibility upon responsible authorities (The Environment Agency and Local Authorities) to develop flood strategies. 1

113 Wales Climate Change Strategy for Wales (Welsh Assembly Government, 21) Sets a greenhouse gas reduction target of 3% per year on all emissions except heavy industry and power generation, with overall reductions of at least 4% by 22. Areas of focus will be: behaviour change leading by example by WAG and the public sector increased energy efficiency, making low carbon transport a reality, and building the skills needed to ensure that Wales can make the most of opportunities from a low carbon economy ensuring that approaches to R&D, technology, innovation and skills help Wales gain maximum benefit from climate change related business and research supporting adaptation ensuring that land use planning promotes sustainable development and enables a move towards a low carbon economy National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales (Welsh Government November 211) Sets out the framework for Risk Management Authorities to allow them to deliver their flood and coastal risk management functions (as prescribed by the Welsh Government). The strategy provides a set of overall strategic objectives/outcomes along with a more specific objectives and actions for the management of flood and coastal erosion risk management. The LDP should: Ensure that buildings are energy efficient, resilient to climate change, and in sustainable locations Support the development of renewable energy Support local food production Encourage low carbon and resource efficient businesses Support public transport, walking and cycling The LDP should: include adequate provisions in respect of flood and coastal erosion Include policies on effective land use management - In line with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Objectives and Actions for the Development of LDPs and spatial planning. Overarching objectives: reducing the consequences for individuals, communities, businesses and the environment from flooding and coastal erosion; raising awareness of and engaging people in the response to flood and coastal erosion risk; providing an effective and sustained response to flood and coastal erosion events; and prioritising investment in the most at risk communities 11

114 A Low Carbon Revolution - The Welsh Assembly Government Energy Policy Statement (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Acknowledges both a moral and a practical imperative to move rapidly to a low carbon economy and proposes actions on (1) energy saving and energy efficiency, (2) resilient low carbon energy production, both centralised and localised, (3) exploiting economic opportunities. Technical Advice Note 8: Planning for Renewable Energy (Welsh Assembly Government 25) Provides guidance on land use planning considerations relating to renewable energy provision and how LDPs can help achieve national targets for renewable energy generation. Energy Wales: A Low Carbon Transition (Welsh Government 212) States the Welsh Government s commitment to create a sustainable, low carbon economy for Wales featuring low carbon energy and energy efficiency, by, among other things, ensuring that planning and regulations are supportive, ensuring communities benefit, and supporting appropriate infrastructure. Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk (Welsh Assembly Government 24) Provides guidance on flood risk (including land at risk of flooding) and how such risk should be addressed and managed. Aims to reduce the risk to people and development from flooding in line with a precautionary framework. The LDP should: help to support a step-change in the energy efficiency performance of all housing stock progressively increase the standards for newbuild housing towards zero-carbon aspirations support small-scale renewable developments and other forms of local energy generation support anaerobic digestion, biomass, and other larger renewable energy generation projects Further confirms the need for the LDP to support energy efficiency and low carbon energy. The LDP should: Take a precautionary and strategic approach to flood risk, having regard to WAG guidance, the potential consequences of flooding and the extent and location of unobstructed floodplains Ensure that the location and design of new development has regard to the potential risk, causes and consequences of flooding Cultural / historic PPPs Wales Welsh Office Circular 6/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology (1996) Sets out advice on legislation and procedures relating to archaeological remains. Welsh Office Circular 61/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas (1996) Sets out advice on legislation and procedures relating to historic buildings and conservation areas. (Likely to be updated and consolidated with Circular 6/96 in forthcoming Wales Implications for the LDP The LDP must take account of the need to conserve the historic environment. It should: Include policies for the protection and enhancement of sites of archaeological interest and their settings Identify scheduled archaeological remains and, where appropriate, unscheduled remains of local importance The LDP must take account of the need to conserve the historic environment, including: Policies for the preservation and enhancement of listed buildings and their settings, conservation areas and historic parks, gardens and landscapes, and the factors to be taken into account in assessing planning applications that 12

115 Cultural / historic PPPs Heritage Bill.) Technical Advice Note 12: Design (Welsh Assembly Government 29) Provides guidance about how Promoting sustainability through good design may be facilitated through the planning system. Implications for the LDP could affect these Proposals for re-use or new development affecting historic areas and buildings Policies for demolition, alteration, extension or re-use of listed buildings and their curtilages Criteria to be applied to development proposals impinging upon listed buildings. The LDP should promote and support the 5 aspects of good design: Ensuring access for all Sustaining and enhancing local character Ensuring attractive, safe public space Environmental sustainability Providing sustainable means of travel To do this it should Include design policies, area wide and/or for specific places as appropriate Consider producing topic based, area based or site specific SPGs Economy PPPs Wales Economic Renewal: A New Direction (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Sets out the Assembly s proposed strategy for moving Wales out of the recession and to future economic growth. The vision is of "a Welsh economy built upon the strengths and skills of its people and natural environment; recognised at home and abroad as confident, creative and ambitious; a great place to live and work". Its five priorities are to: Invest in high quality and sustainable infrastructure Make Wales a more attractive place to do business Broaden and deepen the skills base Encourage innovation Target business support Technical Advice Note 4: Retailing and Town Centres (Welsh Assembly Government 1996) Provides detailed advice on the collection of retail information and assessment of retail and town centre development proposals. Implications for the LDP The LDP can support economic development objectives by supporting: the roll-out of Next Generation Broadband the planning and delivery of infrastructure low-waste low-carbon employment links between universities and businesses The LDP should: Identify and support the retail hierarchy of centres Support the vitality, attractiveness and viability of centres Allocate sites for new retail and leisure facilities and other uses best located in town centres where there is assessed need and using the sequential approach Include criteria for the assessment of proposals 13

116 Economy PPPs Technical Advice Note 13: Tourism (Welsh Assembly Government 1997) Provides guidance on how the planning system can encourage sustainable forms of tourism and maximise economic and employment benefits while improving and safeguarding the environmental interests of local communities. SE Wales South East Wales Development Strategy (South East Wales Economic Forum 25) An economic development framework for South East Wales mapping out a comprehensive approach to achieving the forum s vision for the region to become one of the most prosperous in Europe. City Regions Final Report (Welsh Government, May 212) Product of a task and finish group set up by WG; strongly recommends recognising a South East Wales (ie Cardiff centred) city region, with an over-arching city region strategic planning tier, and strengthened governance, transport, infrastructure and financing, to remedy underperformance of Wales cities Cardiff Competitive Cardiff, The Cardiff Economic Strategy (Cardiff Council 27) It vision is "To ensure that Cardiff, as an International Capital, is an inclusive, vibrant and thriving city in which to live and work, with a skilled creative workforce and a buoyant business environment". Implications for the LDP on unallocated sites The LDP should provide a strategic framework for tourism developments having regard to the tourism potential of the area and the need to limit the impact on the environment, conservation interests and local communities The LDP can support economic development objectives by: Ensuring that there is a sufficient range and choice of land allocated for economic development and employment purposes in accessible locations Improving access to employment opportunities particularly for communities with high levels of economic inactivity, unemployment and deprivation Supporting the vitality, attractiveness and viability of centres If the recommendations are adopted, the Cardiff City LDP would need to form a subordinate tier contributing to wider city region objectives, and with stronger emphasis on cross boundary coordination. The LDP can support these objectives by: Maintaining and improving the city's cultural, leisure and sporting facilities Developing Cardiff's retail, conference and office offer Providing a range of premises and facilities for different business sizes and types, including incubation and growth facilities Protecting employment land Focusing on high value added, knowledge based sectors, and the creative industries Facilitating the roll-out of high speed broadband Regenerating neighbourhoods Improving Cardiff's accessibility through an integrated transport infrastructure and improved airport connectivity Supporting links between the universities and businesses, and between businesses Ensuring a match between skills supply and business provision 14

117 Economy PPPs Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone was designated in 212 to attract and grow the financial and professional services sector Implications for the LDP The LDP can support the Enterprise Zone objectives by seeking to provide land, infrastructure and supporting services attractive to financial and professional services in the city centre. Health and wellbeing PPPs Wales 'Climbing Higher': The Welsh Assembly Government Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity (Welsh Assembly Government 25) Sets targets that, by 225, The percentage of people in Wales using the Welsh natural environment for outdoor activities will increase from 36% to 6% 95% of people in Wales will have a footpath or cycle path within a 1 minute walk No-one should live more than a 6 minute walk (3metres) from their nearest natural green space All public sector employees and 75% of all other employees will have access to sport and physical activity facilities at, or within 1 minutes walk of the workplace Climbing Higher: Next Steps (Welsh Assembly Government 26) outlines investment priorities to deliver Climbing Higher. Technical Advice Note 16: Sport Recreation and Open Space (Welsh Assembly Government 29) Provides guidance on planning for sport, recreation and informal open spaces, as well as protecting existing facilities and open spaces. Includes guidance on developing Open Space Assessments and standards of provision and the links between health and well being, sport and recreational activity and sustainable development. Technical Advice Note 11: Noise (Welsh Assembly Government 1997) Provides advice on how the planning system can minimise the adverse impact of noise without placing unreasonable restrictions on development or unduly adding to the costs and administrative burdens of business. Implications for the LDP The LDP should provide a framework for sport and recreation and set out a strategic approach to such development. It should: Promote active travel through land uses and coordinated infrastructure to make walking and cycling practicable, convenient and attractive wherever possible Protect areas of open space that have recreation, amenity and/or conservation value Identify standards of open space and recreational provision Promote measures to assist walking and cycling The LDP should support the achievement of the 'Climbing Higher targets. This will have implication on open space and footpath/bridlepath provision. The LDP should provide a framework for sport and recreation and set out a strategic approach to such development. It should aim to: Provide the 'benchmark standard' of, per 1 population: 1.2 ha of land for playing pitches; 1.6 ha of land for all outdoor sport;.25ha children's designated equipment playing space;.55ha for children's informal playing space; and.8 ha for children's playing space Provide 'local areas' for play or informal recreation within 1 metres of homes; 'locally equipped or landscaped areas' within 4 metres; and 'neighbourhood equipped areas' within 1 metres Protect areas of open space that have recreation, amenity and/or conservation value Policies and proposals in LDPs should: Locate noise sensitive developments away from existing or planned sources of significant noise Locate potentially noisy developments where noise will not be such an important consideration Promote design that minimises or mitigates 15

118 Health and wellbeing PPPs Cardiff Cardiff Physical Activity and Health Strategy (Cardiff Health Alliance 28) Aims to improve the health of Cardiff's residents through physical activity. (Time expired but evidently not replaced or withdrawn) Allotment strategy for Cardiff (Cardiff Council 25) Sets a strategy for the improvement of Cardiff's allotments, and to ensure that there are enough allotments to meet local demand. Landscape PPPs International The European Landscape Convention (24) Promotes the protection, management and planning of European landscape and organises European cooperation on landscape issues. The convention provides a set of guidelines to be transposed into national, regional and local regulations. Cardiff Countryside Strategy Review (Cardiff Council 25) Sets out the Council s vision for Cardiff's countryside under five key themes: awareness of the countryside, access, biodiversity, landscape and supporting a working countryside. River Taff Corridor Action Plan (Cardiff Council, CCW, WAG 27) River Ely Corridor Action Plan (Cardiff Council, CCW, WAG 26) Implications for the LDP noise generation Policies and proposals in LDPs should provide opportunities for physical activity, e.g. through green infrastructure and other opportunities for walking and cycling Policies and proposals in the LDPs should: Safeguard existing allotments wherever possible Aim to provide at minimum 15 allotment plots per 1 households Implications for the LDP The LDP should: consider landscape strategies recognise the value of landscapes both ordinary and unique/ historical assist in achieving landscape quality objectives. The LDP can support the Strategy by: Giving considerable weight to protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land Avoiding development of greenfield sites by giving preference to the re-use of suitable previously developed land Promoting conservation and enhancement of the countryside and strictly control development in the open countryside Promoting farm diversification and sustainable rural development Protecting biodiversity, and the quality and character of the landscape Promoting access to and enjoyment of the countryside The LDP can support the action plans by: Supporting the enhancement, extension and maintenance of the Taff Trail, Rhymney Trail 16

119 Landscape PPPs River Rhymney and Nant Fawr Corridor Action Plan (Cardiff Council, CCW, WAG 29) Implications for the LDP and the Nant Fawr Corridor and networks Providing access to all to the river corridors, maximising the use of open spaces, and maximising the range of activities Managing and enhancing the landscape and biodiversity in the river corridors and gorges Ensuring that new and existing developments enhance and do not harm the qualities of the valley Maximising the tourism potential of the Taff Corridor Maximising the afteruse value of the Lamby Way landfill site Natural resources PPPs International EC Water Framework Directive (2/86/EEC) Establishes a strategic framework for managing surface water and groundwater. The core aims are to: Prevent deterioration of aquatic ecosystems Protect, enhance and restore polluted waters Comply with water related standards and objectives for environmentally protected areas Progressively reduce pollution from priority substances Prevent or limit input of pollutants to groundwater EC Directive 1991/271/EEC on Urban Waste Water Treatment (as amended by EC Directive 1998/15/EEC) Protects the environment from the adverse effects of discharges of urban waste water and of waste water from industrial sectors of agrofood industry. Sets standards for wastewater collection and treatment. Wales Technical Advice Note 14: Coastal Planning (Welsh Assembly Government 1998) Provides guidance on: Planning the coastal zone Recreation Heritage coasts and non statutory coastal groupings Shoreline management plans Implications for the LDP See Severn River Basin Management Plan below Locational policies to take account of the effects of development on water quality and seek improvements Planners should discuss wastewater treatment arrangements with sewerage authorities and the Environment Agency Wales Location and design policies should also promote Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems The LDP must have regard to: Other plans and policies with implications for the coastal area Existing policies for coast protection and defence and Shoreline Management Plans Coastal and marine designations The LDP should: Include specific policies for coastal areas Show locations suitable/unsuitable for 17

120 Natural resources PPPs Technical Advice Note 22: Sustainable Buildings (Welsh Assembly Government 21) TAN22 provides guidance and advice on: Sustainable buildings and standards of assessment The design solutions that may be used to meet these standards Further design guidance on delivering low carbon buildings Minerals Planning Policy Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Provides land use guidance on mineral extraction and related development includes all minerals and substances in, on or under land extracted either by underground or surface working. Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (Welsh Assembly Government 24) Provides detailed guidance to ensure that: Aggregates supply is managed in a sustainable way so that the best balance between environmental, economic and social considerations is struck The environmental and amenity impacts of any necessary extraction are kept to a level that avoids causing demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance. Water is Precious, Water for people and the environment: Water Resources Strategy for Wales (Environment Agency 29) This document sets out the Environment Agency s approach to the overall management of water resources in Wales. The strategy sets out a series of strategic actions for adapting to climate change, protecting the water environment (including conservation and water quality) and the management of water resources with regard to development and future demand. SE Wales Severn River Basin Management Plan (Environment Agency 29) Prepared under the Water Framework Directive, it describes the river basin district Implications for the LDP development and relevant designations on the Proposals Map Promote conservation and enhancement of the undeveloped coast This technical advice note has guidance for LDPs, highlighting the potential opportunities for local authorities to impose specific local requirements for strategic sites identified. The LDP should: Encourage high sustainable building standards Promote the delivery of low carbon buildings Identify areas that are most suitable for development with high sustainability standards. The LDP should: Provide for aggregate needs in accordance with the agreed regional apportionment Encourage efficient and appropriate use of minerals and the re-use and recycling of suitable materials Safeguard mineral resources from sterilisation Limit the impact of mineral extraction on the environment and interest of conservation importance Promote high standard restoration and beneficial after-use The LDP should: Take the strategy s strategic actions into account Support water efficiency measure in new developments Consider how the water environment can cope with the additional demand placed upon it by proposed developments. The LDP should: Include strong water efficiency policies Take the Management Plan s objectives into 18

121 Natural resources PPPs (which includes Cardiff s rivers), pressures on it, and what actions will be taken to address the pressures. It sets out what improvements are possible by 215 and how the actions will make a difference to the local water environment. Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan (Severn Estuary Coastal Group with DEFRA and NAW 2) Provides the basis for sustainable coastal defence policies in the Severn Estuary and sets objectives for the future management of the shoreline. A revised version of this plan is currently out for consultation Cardiff Rhymney Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (Environment Agency Wales 26) Ebbw and Lwyd Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (Environment Agency Wales 26) Taff and Ely Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (Environment Agency Wales 26) Describes how much water is available within the catchments, areas where water resources are constrained, and the Environment Agency s proposed options for managing this water now and in the future. Implications for the LDP account Reduce the physical impacts of urban development in artificial or heavily modified waters Implement surface water management plans, increasing resilience to surface water flooding and ensuring water quality is considered on a catchment basis Promote sustainable drainage Include Water Cycle Studies in growth or high risk areas In preparing the LDP the Council must have regard to: Other plans and policies with implications for the coastal area Existing policies for coast protection and defence and Shoreline Management Plans Coastal and marine designations The LDP should: Include specific policies for coastal areas; Show locations suitable/unsuitable for development and relevant designations on the Proposals Map The LDP should: Promote the efficient use of water Include policies on the location of potentially polluting developments and criteria by which applications for such developments should be determined Ensure that incompatible uses of land are separated, in order to avoid potential conflict Locational policies in the LDP should take account of the effects of development upon water quality and vice versa. Location and design policies should also promote sustainable water provision and use in new developments including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. Population PPPs Wales Better Homes for People in Wales: A National Housing Strategy for Wales (The National Assembly for Wales 21) Provides a vision for the future of Welsh housing and a policy framework to facilitate action at the local level. Aims to provide: Homes that are in a good condition in safe neighbourhoods Better housing services and a greater Implications for the LDP The LDP should: Identify the requirement for market and affordable housing Allocate land for housing, favouring the re-use of previously developed land and buildings within settlements before settlement extensions and new development around settlements with good public transport links 19

122 Population PPPs choice for people over the types of housing and locations they live in Improving Lives and Communities Homes in Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Aims to respond to existing housing problems, including demand outstripping supply, increasing demand for affordable housing, ageing population, and age and quality of the current social housing stock. Aims to: Provide more housing of the right type and offer more choice Improve homes and communities, including the energy efficiency of new and existing homes Improve housing-related services and support Housing White Paper, Homes for Wales, Welsh Government, May 211, outlines the key role of planning in increasing the supply of housing. Technical Advice Note 1: Joint Housing Land Availability Studies (Welsh Assembly Government 26) Provides guidance on the preparation of Joint Housing Land Availability Studies, the purpose of which is to monitor the provision of market and affordable housing. Technical Advice Note 2: Planning and Affordable Housing (Welsh Assembly Government 26) Aims to ensure the provision of enough affordable housing. Household Projections for Wales (28-Based) (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Suggests that the number of households in Cardiff will rise from 137, in 28 to 179, in 223. South East Wales Implications for the LDP Provide guidance on design, access, density, offstreet parking and open space provision Include policies for affordable and special needs housing where there is identified need Indicate where developer contributions will be expected towards infrastructure, community facilities and affordable housing The LDP should: Provide sufficient housing of the right type to meet people's needs Provide sufficient affordable homes Support energy efficiency of new and existing homes, and ensure that local authority and housing association homes meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard The LDP should: Identify the requirement for market and affordable housing Ensure that there is land genuinely available to provide a 5 year supply of land for housing Allocate land for housing, favouring the re-use of previously developed land and buildings within settlements before settlement extensions and new development around settlements with good public transport links The LDP should: Be informed by a Local Housing Market Assessment Include an affordable housing target, based on the need identified in the local housing market assessment Indicate how the target will be achieved Monitor the provision of affordable housing against the target and where necessary take action to ensure that the target is met The LDP should take these projections into consideration when planning for future housing numbers 2

123 Population PPPs South East Wales Regional Housing Apportionment Memorandum of Understanding (SPWSPG 27) Allocates 26,7 new houses to Cardiff to 221 to implement the Wales Spatial Plan 224. Cardiff Local Housing Strategy (Cardiff Council 212) Sets out the key issues facing housing in Cardiff and outlines priorities for the strategy period. Highlights the importance of increasing the number of homes available to people who cannot afford a home of their own through the housing market. Waste PPPs International Waste Framework Directive (28/98/EC) Requires member states to: Apply the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover) Apply the proximity principle Promote high quality recycling Set up separate collections Reuse and recycle 5% of household paper, metal, plastic and glass by 22 Recover 7% of construction and demolition waste by 22 Establish plans, programmes, targets and facilities for waste prevention and disposal EC Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC Sets targets to reduce the amount and negative impacts of waste going to landfill and promoting recycling and recovery: By 21 to reduce BMW to 75% of that produced in 1995 By 213 to reduce BMW to 5% of that produced in 1995 By 22 to reduce BMW to 35% of that produced in 1995 Wales Towards Zero Waste: The Overarching Waste Implications for the LDP As above The LDP Regulations (WAG 25) prescribe that LDPs must have regard to the Local Housing Strategy. The LDP should help to: Increase the supply of quality affordable and sustainable homes, including through S16 obligations Aim to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 212 Implement neighbourhood regeneration and environmental schemes Improve energy efficiency of homes Provide adequate homes for vulnerable groups, including Gypsies and Travellers, migrant workers and homeless people Implications for the LDP The LDP should help to meet the WFD targets by: Ensuring that infrastructure for waste management is adequate to accommodate proposed development while minimising adverse impacts on health, the environment and communities Identifying sites for waste management facilities, including recycling and recovery, or areas where such facilities may be suitable Incorporating adequate and effective waste management facilities in proposed new developments Using S16 and planning conditions where appropriate to improve waste reduction, reuse and recycling during construction and operation of developments The LDP should help to meet these challenging targets The LDP should ensure that waste management 21

124 Waste PPPs Strategy Document for Wales (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Long-term framework that aims to set Wales on a path towards zero waste by 25. Aims to reduce waste arisings across all sectors by around 1.5% per year. Technical Advice Note 21 Waste (Welsh Assembly Government 21) Provides detailed guidance on how land use planning can assist sustainable waste management. SE Wales South East Wales Regional Waste Plan 1 st Review (Consultation version) (Welsh Assembly Government with local authorities 28) Identifies the facilities needed to treat and dispose of waste in South East Wales to 213 and beyond, in order to: Achieve the Landfill Directive 22 targets by 213 principally through maximising recycling and composting Achieve 5% 'front end' recycling and composting for municipal waste in 213 Ensure that targets for the management of other controlled waste streams are met Cardiff Cardiff Municipal Waste Management Strategy Outlines the changes planned for Cardiff s waste service over next 5 years. It details: How much waste is produced in Cardiff What waste will be collected and when How waste will be treated or recycled How Cardiff s waste will be managed sustainably How litter and other environmental Implications for the LDP infrastructure supports the strategy's proposals for more reuse and recycling of waste, anaerobic digestion and other forms of waste treatment The LDP should: Take account of the waste hierarchy, proximity principle, regional self-sufficiency, best practical environmental option, and sustainable transport Ensure that infrastructure for waste management is adequate to accommodate proposed development while minimising adverse impacts on health, the environment and communities Identify sites for waste management facilities, including recycling and recovery, or areas where such facilities may be suitable Incorporate adequate and effective waste management facilities in proposed major new developments Promote reuse and recycling commitments from developers during construction The plan identifies the need for additional waste management facilities on a sub-regional basis. Further discussions and consultation will be needed to identify local authority specific facilities. The LDP should help to provide these facilities once the plan is agreed. The Municipal Waste Management Strategy relies on the LDP to provide the policy framework to support the transition to more sustainable waste management methods. It also relies on the LDP to identify locations that are suitable for waste management facilities. The LDP should: Look to develop policy that facilitates and/or promotes the use of the waste hierarchy Enable the infrastructure required for sustainable waste management 22

125 Waste PPPs issues such as fly tipping will be addressed Implications for the LDP 23

126 Cardiff Council & Levett-Therivel Sustainability Consultants Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Cardiff Local Development Plan Appendix B: Baseline Final Sustainability Appraisal Report of the Cardiff Local Development Plan January 216

127 Contents Page Preface 1 1. Access and equality 3 Introduction 3 Cardiff contains some of the most deprived areas in Wales - geographically there is a concentration of deprivation in the southern arc although 3 hotspots exist elsewhere Lack of affordable housing units - particularly family housing is excluding those on low income from entering the housing market 6 Cardiff has a significant number of homeless people 7 Cardiff has good access to services although deficiencies still exist at a local level 8 The educational, training and skill base of Cardiff s population is good overall but varies significantly across the County 1 2. Air quality 12 Introduction 12 Levels of benzene, 1, 3 butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead and sulphur dioxide are within current standards 12 Nitrogen dioxide is the main cause of air pollution 'hot spots' in Cardiff Biodiversity, flora and fauna 15 Introduction 15 Cardiff has a wide range of sites designated for biodiversity, including two European Designated Sites (the Severn Estuary and Cardiff Beech 15 Woods) The city hosts protected and rare species including the Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dormouse and Bat 17 Cardiff has many existing corridors and networks of mixed habitats providing good connectivity for species 19 The condition of designated sites is a concern 2 Cardiff s biodiversity resource is vulnerable to new developments and land management practices which may result in habitat loss and 2 fragmentation i

128 4. Climate change 21 Introduction 21 Cardiff s CO2 emissions per person are decreasing, particularly due to reductions in industrial and commercial emissions 21 Traffic flows in the city are decreasing, but outside the city it is increasing, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and congestion 23 Domestic energy use is responsible for almost one third of Cardiff s CO2 emissions 26 Flooding poses a particular threat to Cardiff due to its coastal location, low lying areas and rivers Cultural heritage and the historic environment 31 Introduction 31 The City s cultural and historic attractions perform an important national and regional role attracting large numbers of visitors each year 31 Cardiff contains a wide range of areas, buildings and monuments designated for historic value befitting of its Capital City status 32 Some designated buildings/features are not in a favourable condition Economy 35 Introduction 35 Cardiff is the key economic driver for south-east Wales 35 Cardiff has strong economic growth (reduced by the recession) and relatively high employment 36 Manufacturing industries are in decline, and service sector industries and private sector employment are growing 4 The workforce is polarised between qualified graduates and low skilled workforce 4 Significant areas of employment land have changed to alternative uses (notably housing) although land for employment is still available Health and wellbeing 43 Introduction 43 The health of Cardiff s population is generally better than the Welsh average although considerable discrepancies exist at ward level 43 Health varies considerably across the City 44 Over half of Cardiff s adults are clinically overweight or obese 47 Under a third of Cardiff s adults get the exercise they need 47 Road safety has generally improved 48 Crime rates have also broadly improved or remained steady 49 Environmental quality a determinant of health varies greatly within Cardiff 5 ii

129 8. Landscape 53 Introduction 53 Cardiff has a very strong and distinctive landscape backdrop 53 Three major river valleys run through the city 55 The coastline presents complex issues and opportunities 55 Five areas have been proposed as SLAs 57 Cardiff is generally well served by open spaces within the urban area, but some areas are under-provided 57 Cardiff s landscape qualities are vulnerable to insensitive new development and land management practices Natural resources 6 Introduction 6 Recent years have seen a high percent of housing completions on previously used (brownfield) land 6 As a result of Cardiff s industrial past, many sites could potentially be contaminated 61 Good quality agricultural land is known to exist in Cardiff but no comprehensive survey has been undertaken recently 62 Cardiff's allotments are important for people's health and food security, but they are oversubscribed 62 Cardiff has sufficient mineral reserves to last about 3 years 63 Chemical and biological water quality of the rivers Taff, Ely and Rhymney is fair to good and water quantity is satisfactory Population 68 Introduction 68 Cardiff s population has increased steadily over the past 2 years but much more rapidly since 21 reaching 341,1 in Population and household numbers will increase in South East Wales, and Cardiff s proportion of this is increasing 69 Average household size is decreasing, with a decline in married couples but an increase in one person, lone parents and cohabiting couples 71 Cardiff has a relatively high proportion of young adults and a low proportion of older age groups compared to Wales as a whole 72 Ethnic groups as a proportion of Cardiff s population are higher than for Wales as a whole 73 iii

130 11. Waste 74 Introduction 74 Construction and demolition waste is currently the biggest component of waste in South East Wales 75 Recycling rates are improving rapidly following the completion of a new recycling facility and rolling out a recycling scheme 77 It is unclear how Cardiff's waste will change in the future 78 List of Maps, Figures and Tables Page Maps Map 1.1: Welsh index of multiple deprivation Map 1.2: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 access to services 9 Map 1.3: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 education 11 Map 2.1: Location of air quality management areas in Cardiff 14 Map 3.1: Location of internationally, nationally and locally designated sites for biodiversity value 16 Map 4.1: Areas at risk of flooding 28 Map 5.1: Location and designation of sites, features, buildings and areas of conservation importance 34 Map 6.1: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 employment 38 Map 6.2: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 income 39 Map 6.3: Claimant proportion by ward 41 Map 7.1: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 health 46 Map 7.2: Violence against the Person, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Damage, Burglary from a Dwelling 51 Map 7.3: Welsh index of multiple deprivation 211 physical environment 52 Map 8.1: Major landscape features of Cardiff 54 Map 8.2: Open spaces in Cardiff 59 iv

131 Preface This Appendix was initially produced in 27; it was updated in autumn 21 and summer 212, and should be read together with the updated Scoping Report and Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report. This appendix sets out the main environmental, social and economic issues that are or are likely to affect Cardiff over the life of the Plan. Section 4 of the Scoping Report summarises the issues that are covered in this appendix, which were identified through: Discussions with the planning team Workshop and meetings with key consultees, stakeholders and other interest groups Consultation on the 27 Scoping Report Desk based research Indicators This appendix includes a set of indicators that are used to show change over time in the issues identified. Some of the indicators are of more direct relevance to the LDP while others are contextual and will be used to provide a more general picture of the conditions which the plan should take into account. The indicators are shown in table format under the relevant issue and topic headings. The key to the indicator table is as follows: Local, Welsh or This is used to compare Cardiff's situation to that of Wales and the UK. It also highlights gaps (at any level). UK data: Target: Targets to achieve, based on the policy analysis of Appendix 1. These can be local targets or regional and national ones that Cardiff Council are obliged to work towards. Page 1 of 78

132 Trend: Indicator is moving towards a more sustainable position Indicator is staying roughly steady Indicator is moving towards a less sustainable position.? Indicator trend is unclear or cannot be assessed due to lack of data Note that an indicator can be increasing (e.g. car use) but be going in a less sustainable direction. Indicator status: + Indicator is equal to or better than target or equivalent regional/national/international performance. Alternatively (where comparators are not available) historical trends show that the situation is improving. - Indicator is below target or equivalent regional/national/international performance. Alternatively (where comparators are not available) historical trends show that the situation is getting worse! Indicator is significantly below target or equivalent regional/national/international performance and is a priority for action? Indicator status is unclear and cannot be assessed due to lack of data Commentary: A commentary on the data set. Includes reasons for gaps, any anomalies, what the trends suggest and why. Data quality: National data only; no data identified from public sources 1 Good quality local data, recent measurement and historical trend 2 Local data for recent period only (i.e. no trend), uses proxy data to derive local data or good quality regional data, recent measurement and historical trend 3 Regional data for recent period only (i.e. no trend) Data source: Web links, hard copy sources, Council officers etc Page 2 of 78

133 1. Access and equality Introduction 1.1 Over the last decade, Cardiff has experienced strong economic growth and increasing levels of prosperity, and major redevelopment has permeated the city. Yet this prosperity has not been evenly distributed. There are considerable variations within and between localities, with people in some parts of Cardiff experiencing deprivation that is amongst the worst in Wales. Cardiff contains some of the most deprived areas in Wales - geographically there is a concentration of deprivation in the southern arc although hotspots exist elsewhere 1.2 The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) is a measure of the relative levels of deprivation in local areas of about 15 people (called Lower Level Super Output Areas). 8 individual measures of deprivation are combined to make up the index covering income, employment, health, education, housing, access to services, environment and crime. In the most recent WIMD 211, 21.2% (or 4 out of 19) of the 1% most deprived areas in Wales, are in Cardiff. This is higher than any other Welsh local authority except Blaenau Gwent (21.3%). However, fewer than 5% of Cardiff s LSOAs (46.3%) are in the 5% most deprived, indicating that Cardiff has more prosperous as well as well as more deprived areas than average for Wales. Deprivation is concentrated mainly in the southern arc of Cardiff (see Map 1.1) which includes Ely, Butetown, Splott, Riverside, Adamsdown, Caerau, Grangetown, Trowbridge, Rumney, Llanrumney, Pentwyn and Fairwater. No. Indicator 1.1 Number and percent of Cardiff s lower super output areas in the 1% most deprived lower super output areas for Wales Cardiff data Wales data 4 out of out 21% of % UK data Target Trend Indicator status Not Decrease applicable percent of 33 in LSOAs in most 25 deprived 1% Commentary Data quality - 1 Data sources Local Govt. Data Unit, Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 211 Page 3 of 78

134 Page 4 of 78

135 1.3. When the WIMD was calculated, Cardiff accounted for 1.7% of the population of Wales, but accounted for more than 1.7% of the population living in the most deprived communities for all WIMD indicators except employment and access to services: see Figure 1.1. Cardiff had more than twice the expected share of population living in the most deprived communities in terms of education, housing and community safety % of Wales Total 1.4. Deprivation is not restricted to the southern arc of Cardiff. The disaggregated Index domains show that deprivation is spread across the city (see Maps 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.3). 1 5 Overall Deprivation Housing Community Safety Education Income Health Physical Environment Expected Value 1.7% Employment Access to Services Domain Figure 1.1. Cardiff residents living in the 1% most deprived communities in Wales as a percent of the Wales total in 1% most deprived (Cardiff Council, 21, Joint Needs Assessment) Page 5 of 78

136 Lack of affordable housing units - particularly family housing is excluding those on low income from entering the housing market 1.5. In May 212, the average price of a house for Cardiff was slightly less than 145,, down from 15, in 26. The average annual salary in 211 was 24,362. In 212, the ratio of house price to annual salary was just under 6, down from 6.75:1 in 26 and a little under the UK average Provision of enough affordable housing is an ongoing problem in Cardiff. In mid-21, there were 1,491 applicants on the council housing register, of which 47% required family housing. For the financial year, 29/1, 463 new domestic units (53% of the total) were available as affordable housing, far below the levels needed. However even this is an anomaly: for the previous decade, affordable housing comprised about 1% of all new housing. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 1.2 Average house price compared to average salary 1.3 Number and percent of domestic units that are provided for affordable housing per year May 212 house price 144,844 Annual salary ,362 Ratio 5.95: or 22.7% (211/12) 147 or 15.3% (21/11) 33 or 35% (29/1) 212 or 14% (28/9) UK data Target Trend Indicator status No target 6.75 in 25,though will worsen - if house prices rise again England and Wales House price 161,677 Annual salary 26,623 Ratio 6.7: 1 Not available in 25/6 346 in 26/7 194 in 27/8 - Commentary The recession has dampened house prices more than earnings, making housing more affordable than a few years ago. Several large Registered Social Landlord schemes were completed in 29/1, as well as some credit crunch windfalls and housing built with additional strategic capital funding from WAG. Data quality 1 1 Data sources Land Registry (Res Prop Price Reports) 1 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ONS) 2 Cardiff Council, housing monitoring 29 Housing Strategy Officer, July /7/ accessed 12/7/12 Page 6 of 78

137 No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status Commentary Data quality Data sources 212 in 28/ The quality of housing in Cardiff is very variable, with housing in the 'Southern arc of deprivation' being more likely to be overcrowded and without central heating than elsewhere in Cardiff (WIMD 28). Cardiff has a significant number of homeless people 1.8. Homeless people are especially vulnerable and there are a significant number of them living in Cardiff. A number of hostels and lodging houses are concentrated around the city centre. Cardiff also attracts a high number of young people who have left home, absconded from care, or are vulnerable in other ways. During 28-9, Cardiff Council received 2,916 enquiries from homeless people or those at risk of homelessness, and accepted 618 households as being eligible for assistance. In April 21, there were 361 households in temporary accommodation in Cardiff, waiting for a permanent home. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 1.4 The number of 2916 enquiries out homelessness of 137, presentations households = 21.3 received by the per 1 people local authority during the year per 1 households. UK data Target Trend Indicator status 1.3 in 25/6 Not available 8.5 (Cardiff Council) 2418 inquiries in 27/ in 28/9! Commentary The increase in the number of enquiries reflects the impact of the wider economic climate on households and on their individual housing situations. Data quality 1 Data sources Cardiff Council Affordable Housing Delivery Statement 27/8 21/11 Page 7 of 78

138 Cardiff has good access to services although deficiencies still exist at a local level 1.9. As would be expected for a compact city, the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation indicates that Cardiff has good access to services 3. Nowhere in Cardiff is in the worst 1% for Wales in terms of access. However, the less central parts of Cardiff have comparatively poor access, notably Creigiau and St. Fagans, Lisvane, Rhiwbina, Pontprennau and Trowbridge (see Map 1.2) The Needs Assessment also identified a number of vulnerable groups such as ethnic minority populations, the homeless and asylum seekers where access to services is restricted as a result of social and cultural issues (Cardiff Council and Local Health Board 24). 3 The access to services index is comprised by calculating the average time it would take to access 8 key services (food shop, GP surgery, primary school, post office, public library, leisure centre, NHS dentist, secondary school, and a transport node) Page 8 of 78

139 Page 9 of 78

140 The educational, training and skill base of Cardiff s population is good overall but varies significantly across the County Cardiff s population consistently outperforms the Wales and UK averages in terms of education and skills. This is partly determined by demographics, with Cardiff s relatively young population and the existence of several universities. However, Cardiff also has more than 2% of the 1% most deprived lower super output areas in Wales for education (Local Government Data Unit 28). These are mostly concentrated in the south and east part of the city, as shown by Map 1.3. Low educational achievement and deprivation are linked 4, creating a vicious cycle of poor attainment and low skilled employment opportunities. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 1.5 Percent of 39.8% (21) 28.4%(21) 31.3% No target population of (Wales) (21) identified 34.% in working age (GB) 25 qualified to NVQ level 4+ or equivalent Commentary + 1 Data quality Data sources Local Area Labour Force Statistics (National Statistics - Nomis) 4 The Townsend index shows that as deprivation increases so educational attainment decreases. This correlation was demonstrated in the Cardiff Community Profile 22. The data used to prove the correlation was old though there is no evidence to suggest that the relationship has changed. Page 1 of 78

141 Page 11 of 78

142 2. Air quality Introduction 2.1. There is a direct link between air pollution and human health, Cardiff Council periodically reviews and assesses air quality for compliance with objectives set down in the Air Quality (Wales) Regulations 2. The following pollutants have been reviewed and assessed: Benzene Lead Particulates 1,3 Butadiene Nitrogen dioxide (NOx) Sulphur dioxide Carbon monoxide Levels of benzene, 1, 3 butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead and sulphur dioxide are within current standards 2.2. The 29 Air Quality Updating and Screening Assessment (Cardiff Council, 29) concludes that there are no hotspots for five of the seven pollutants. Particulate matter (PM1), currently meets UK standards but there is doubt that provisional EU objectives would be achieved across the city. Nitrogen oxides is the main cause of air pollution 'hot spots' in Cardiff 2.3 Table 2.1 shows monitored NO 2 levels at various locations in the city centre. Many of these exceed the legal threshold (4 μg/m3). Modelling showing predicted breaches led to four Air Quality Management Areas being declared: Newport Road, Philog and Cardiff West in 2, and St Mary Street in 22. The first two were revoked in 27, and the area of the Cardiff West AQMA (renamed Ely Bridge) was reduced. An Air Quality Action Plan for St. Mary Street was adopted in early 21. In December 21 the Stephenson Court AQMA was declared due to Year Threshold (μg/m3) Frederick Street Terminus building St Mary Street Westgate Street High Street Station Terrace Havelock Street Page 12 of 78

143 concentrations of nitrogen dioxide from road traffic exceeding the threshold. The existing and proposed AQMAs are shown on Map 2.1. Westgate Street Flats Sandringham Hotel Table 2.1 City centre NO 2 concentrations(21 LAQM Progress Report) No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 2.1 Number of air 3 Not applicable To be quality determined The number of management areas AQMAs (AQMAs) decreased from 4 to 2 in 27, but a new - AQMA was declared in December 21 Commentary Data quality Surveys take place across the city at random locations and where air quality is predicted to be poor. Therefore 2 AQMAs provide a good indication of city-wide air quality. Data sources Cardiff Council (29) 29 Air Quality Updating and Screening Assessment Cardiff Council (29) Detailed assessment, Stephenson Court, Newport Road Page 13 of 78

144 Page 14 of 78

145 3. Biodiversity, flora and fauna Introduction 3.1. Cardiff has a wide range of biodiversity interests which extend from Flat Holm Island in the Severn Estuary to the hills forming the northern edge of the city, a thousand feet above sea level. Habitats and species have developed in response to local conditions and represent Cardiff s biodiversity resource. Cardiff Council s Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) was prepared in 25 and revised in 28. It includes Action Plans for 19 habitats and species, developed in partnership with other organisations. Cardiff has a wide range of sites designated for biodiversity, including two European Designated Sites (the Severn Estuary and Cardiff Beech Woods) 3.2. Map 3.1 shows the extent of designated sites in Cardiff. It reveals a good distribution across the city, including sites within the urban area and several strategically important corridors. 3.3 The Severn Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site consists of intertidal mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh, shingle and rocky shoreline. These habitats support internationally important populations of waterfowl. The estuary is also important for the run of migratory fish and has an immense tidal range. The Cardiff Beech Woods SAC is one of the largest concentrations of beech forests in Wales, and represents the habitat close to western limit of its past native range in both the UK and Europe. 3.4 There are 15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in Cardiff ranging from woodland, aquatic, marsh and grassland habitats to sites of geological interest. Five Local Nature Reserves provide good opportunities to access local wildlife and there are many additional Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). Since 27, several new sites of nature conservation importance have been designated in Cardiff, an encouraging trend. Page 15 of 78

146 Page 16 of 78

147 No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 3.1 Number and extent SAC ha (2 of designated sites sites) of importance SPA 71.5 ha (1) (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs, Ramsar 696ha Ramsars, LNRs and SSSI ha (15) SINCs) LNR ha SINC ha UK data Not applicable No net loss (Cardiff Council) Target Trend Indicato r status Commentary Severn Estuary SAC and Blaen Bielly SSSI added since 26; increase of SAC from + 115ha, SSSI from ha, SINC from ha Additionally, Nant Fawr is in the process of being designated as a new LNR (2.8ha) Data quality 1 Data sources Cardiff Council officers The city hosts protected and rare species including the Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dormouse and Bat 3.5. European protected species occurring in Cardiff are the Great Crested Newt, Otter, Dormouse and Bats. Otters are now present on all three main rivers and have also extended to tributaries and other water bodies. Dormice require a woodland habitat and are known to primarily exist across the northern ridge and east of the city. All species of bats are protected and their distribution varies: some are widespread such as the Pipistrelle whilst others are localised UK protected species and habitats, as set out in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), are also present in Cardiff. Table 3.1 summarises the status of these species and habitats. Action plans have been established for Cardiff's lowland calcareous grassland, gardens and allotments, maritime cliff and slope, neutral grassland, ponds, reedbeds, purple moor grass and rush pasture, woodlands, bats, Childing Pink, dormouse, Great Crested Newt, Hawfinch, otter, Pied Flycatcher, reptiles, Silver-Washed Fritillary, Stag Beetle, water vole, and waxcap mushrooms. All of the plans involve, at minimum, maintaining the current range and/or population of the species or habitat. Page 17 of 78

148 Table 3.1 UK Biodiversity Action Plan species in Cardiff (Cardiff Biodiversity Action Plan 28) Insects Birds cont. Date-Coloured Waxcap Known from 1 site in Bute Park but not recorded since 24 Herring Gull Abundant. Breeds on roofs in the city centre Garden Tiger & several hundred pairs breed on Flat Holm Small Heath Bar-tailed Godwit Spring and Autumn migrant on passage Small Blue Black-tailed Godwit Spring and Autumn migrant on passage Ghost Moth Grasshopper Warbler Last recorded in Cardiff in 2 Grayling Found on brownfield sites in the south but scarce Amphibians and reptiles Wall Slow-worm Widespread but under-recorded Stag Beetle Formerly known from a garden in Roath but grubs recently found at Common Toad Widespread but under-recorded Forest Farm Common Lizard Widespread but under-recorded White Letter Hairstreak Grass Snake Widespread but under-recorded Chalk Carpet After an absence of 8 years has recently been found in the Taff Gorge Great Crested Newt Cinnabar Adder Birds Habitats Skylark Resident, breeds in grassland throughout Cardiff Wood pasture & parkland; upland Total 6 hectares (ha) Tree Pipit Passes through Cardiff on migration oak woodland; lowland beech & yew Lesser Redpoll Winter visitor, no longer breeding in the area woodland; wet woodland Common Linnet Common resident, particularly in the bay area Hedgerows unknown amount Twite Not recorded in Cardiff since 1989 Arable field margins unknown amount Ringed Plover Common winter/passage visitor along the coast Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh 52 ha Hawfinch Secretive and scarce species apparently confined to forestry above the Neutral grassland 291 ha semi-improved M4. Cardiff is the stronghold of the species in the Glamorgan area Lowland meadows 4 ha Common Cuckoo Recorded in Spring but increasingly scarce. No longer breeds in Cardiff Calcareous grassland 1 ha Lesser Spotted A secretive species, but breeding has been confirmed in recent years. Acid grassland 6 ha Woodpecker Most reliability recorded in Bute Park but also present north of the M4 Purple moorgrass and rush pastures 12 ha Yellowhammer A scarce species, mainly found in the north and east particularly near the Rivers unknown extent Caerphilly ridge. Breeding status unknown Ponds 186 ponds Reed Bunting Common resident breeder Maritime cliff and slope 2.64 ha coastal grassland; 1.1 ha hard cliff Kestrel Common resident breeder Sebellaria alveolata reefs unknown amount Pied Flycatcher Breeding restricted to Coed-y-Bedw Coastal saltmarsh 34 ha Black-headed Gull Common winter visitor Intertidal mudlfats unknown amount Page 18 of 78

149 Cardiff has many existing corridors and networks of mixed habitats providing good connectivity for species 3.7. The three main river valleys of the rivers Taff, Ely and Rhymney form strategically important corridors of open space containing a wide variety of habitats that run through the city from the countryside to the Severn Estuary. These provide valuable wildlife corridors and connectivity between habitats that are important for many species. Feeder tributaries and streams generally run from higher ground to the north and feed into the main rivers, providing a similar function. Features such as woodlands, hedgerows, marshlands, alder carrs and disused rail lines are common in the countryside surrounding the urban area. This patchwork of varied habitats provides a good resource for biodiversity. However Cardiff's woodland cover is fragmented, with few areas larger than 5 hectares. Management plans have been prepared for the three river valleys. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data 3.2 Area (in hectares) Total: ha Not applicable of ancient Semi-natural: woodland cover Planted: Total extent (in hectares) of Local Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats See Table 3.1 Not applicable Broadly no net loss, and growth over time (varies by habitat) Target Trend Indicator status No net loss (Cardiff Council)? + + Commentary Includes semi-natural ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland. Most planted ancient woodland is being restored to seminatural. Only detailed data from 26 available. At present there is no trend data. Trend data will become available in the future as surveys are carried out. Data quality 2 2 Data sources Forestry Commission data on Council GIS Cardiff Local Biodiversity Action Plan 28 Page 19 of 78

150 The condition of designated sites is a concern 3.8. Up to date information relating to the condition of all designated sites is not known. However, measures are in place to address this and ensure that any future changes in condition can be accurately monitored. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 3.4 Percent of features 2% of all SAC, SPA & Not applicable UK / WAG? of internationally SSSI in favourable target: and nationally condition. However 95% to be designated sites in only about half of in favourable condition sites assessed, so favourable (SACs, SPAs, SSSIs) figure is 41% of sites condition? assessed. by 215 Commentary Data quality 35 features, of which the condition is known for only 17 (49%). Of these 9 are evidence based, 7 2 judgement based and 1 provisional assessment. Only data from 26 available. Data sources CCW, based on limited assessment only Cardiff s biodiversity resource is vulnerable to new developments and land management practices which may result in habitat loss and fragmentation 3.9. As an expanding capital city, new developments within and outside the settlement boundary have the potential to harm Cardiff s biodiversity resource. Brownfield sites can contain significant biodiversity interest and it is important that these are recognised and protected where possible. Similarly, the river valleys and countryside are vulnerable to insensitive development and changing agricultural and land use practices. Page 2 of 78

151 4. Climate change Introduction 4.1. Climate change is probably the greatest long-term challenge facing the human race, and is a serious and urgent issue. The climate is already beginning to change as a result of past greenhouse gas emissions and this trend shows no sign of abating. Publications by Nicholas Stern (26) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (27) highlight the urgent need to take action now. This section begins with causes of climate change emissions of greenhouse gases - and continues with how Cardiff is dealing with climate change. Cardiff s CO2 emissions per person are decreasing, particularly due to reductions in industrial and commercial emissions 4.2. Globally, greenhouse gas emissions have increased steadily since the industrial revolution. The Stern Report states that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere now stand at around 43ppm CO 2 equivalent, compared with only 28ppm before the Industrial Revolution. The stock is rising, driven by increasing emissions from human activities, such as energy generation, increased amounts of movement and land-use change. Emissions have been strongly correlated with GDP across time and countries, although this is now changing. UK emissions of the 'basket' of six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol decreased by 12% between 26 and 29, including an 8.6% drop between 28 and 29, some of which is probably due to the effects of the economic recession (DECC UK emission statistics, 21) Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for most greenhouse gas emissions, and is the only gas measured on a local authority basis. In Cardiff, CO2 emissions decreased by 22% between 25 and 29. About 44% of Cardiff's CO2 emissions are generated by industry, 3% by domestic uses, and 25% by traffic. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 4.1 Annual emissions of CO2 per person 6.8 tco2 per capita in 29 (2.9 industry and commercial, 1.9 domestic, 1.9 road 9.5 tco2 per capita in 29 UK data Target Trend Indicator status 7.4 tco2 WAG target: per 4% cut by down + 22% capita in 22 (2 from 8.1 reduction 29 baseline) tco2 in Commentary Industrial and commercial emissions decreased particularly quickly, from 3.9 tco2 in 25 to 2.9 in 29. Data quality 1 Data sources Per capita reduction in CO2 emissions in the local authority areas (DECC) Page 21 of 78

152 transport) Cardiff target: 26% cut by 22 citywide per capita emissions (25 baseline) Much of this is probably due to the recession, and there is a long way to go National statistics do not say how much of this was due just to shrinkage or relocation of industry. This data does not include other greenhouse gases, or CO2 emissions over which local authorities have no control (e.g. aviation and shipping) 4.4. Ecological footprinting is a tool to measure how much land area is required for an average citizen (of a geographically specific area) for everything they consume (products and resources) and produce (waste and emissions) per year. In 21 Cardiff s ecological footprint was 5.59 gha 5 per person. This means that, in 21, Cardiff required more than 125 times its land area or 82% of the land area of Wales for the resources it consumed. If every person on the planet had the same lifestyle as someone from Cardiff almost three planet earths would be required to support their lifestyles. The breakdown of Cardiff s footprint shows that the biggest contributors are food and drink (24%), energy use (18%), passenger travel (18%) and the city s infrastructure and housing (16%) (Cardiff Council et al 25). No similar analysis has been carried out since then. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales / UK Target Trend Indicator data status 4.2 Cardiff s 5.59 gha per person in 21, of 5.25 gha Reduce? ecological which: per person growth in footprint Food and drink 24% in 21 footprint Energy use 18%! Passenger travel 16% Infrastructure and housing - 16% Commentary There are no plans at present to carry out another ecological foot print study of Cardiff. However, this does provide a Data quality 2 Data sources SDU, Cardiff Council; BRASS Research Centre (Cardiff University); and Stockholm 5 A footprint is expressed in global hectares (gha) of earthshare. By dividing the bio-productive land and sea on the planet by the number of people who use it a total of a fair earthshare is calculated (1.89gha per person) Page 22 of 78

153 Consumables and durables 11% Other 14% contextual indicator. Environment Institute Traffic flows in the city are decreasing, but outside the city it is increasing, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions and congestion 4.5. In Cardiff, traffic accounts for about 32% of CO2 emissions. Traffic on Cardiff s roads grew by 12% between 1997 and 27, an average annual increase of 1.8%. While traffic volumes entering the City Centre have decreased by 18% since 1994, traffic crossing the County boundary and across the River Taff screenline have both increased over this period, by 37% and 13% respectively. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales and Target Trend Indicator UK data status 4.3 Traffic growth: Observed two-way 12 Not To be City Centre Cordon Traffic volumes hour Counts, 29 applicable determined entering the (circa, in vehicles): down from - County and city City Centre Cordon 157,8 in 1994* centre ,1! County Cordon 29-38, River Taff Screenline ,9 Cardiff Bay Cordon (new) 27-51, ,2 4.4 Traffic volumes 2.81 in 21 Not applicable, though (billion vehicle km) Welsh trend is towards an increase over time County Cordon 225,2 in 1994* River Taff 154,5 in 1994* No 1994 figures for Cardiff Bay Cordon * 5 year rolling average up from 2.74 in 2, but gently declining since Commentary Each cordon count is surveyed annually on a single weekday between 7.am and 7.pm. The counts may be affected by seasonal factors or local incidents and are thus only a snapshot of traffic conditions. For this reason, where possible flows are averaged across 5 years to give a more reliable rolling average - Traffic in Cardiff is declining gently though a little faster than the rest of Wales, Data quality Data sources 1 Road Traffic Reduction Act Cordon and Screenline annual traffic survey data Infrastructure, Cardiff Council LTP APR Monitoring Transport Statistics Wales 211 Page 23 of 78

154 27 but there is still a long way to go Journeys into the city centre continue to change in favour of more sustainable modes of travel. The proportion of people choosing to travel into the city centre by car decreased by around 7% between 1994 and 26, while the proportion of those travelling on foot, by bicycle, bus and rail all increased over the same period. Local Transport Services grants in Cardiff increased by over 37% in cash terms between 24-5 and211-12, from 566, to 778,1 (Transport Statistics Wales). No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales /UK data Target Trend Indicator status 4.5 Mode of travel to All trips into the City Not the city centre for Centre (all purposes in %) applicable all purposes Car/Van Bus Train Walk Bicycle Park & Ride Coach Motorcycle Taxi To be Statistically determined significant changes: car/van, bus, train, walk, bicycle Statistically insignificant changes to: Park & ride coach, taxi, motorcycle Commentary + The trend arrows show the change since 1994 only for those values where there is 95% confidence that a significant change has occurred for a given mode (based on analysis of confidence intervals). There were more than 1 responses to the 1994 survey, and around 57 for the 26 survey. Data Data sources quality 1 City Centre Users Survey Infrastructure, Cardiff Council LTP APR Monitoring Page 24 of 78

155 4.7. Over 7, of people who work in Cardiff live outside the city s boundaries: see Table 4.1. Most of the in-commuting is from the local areas of Rhondda Cynon Taff, the Vale of Glamorgan and Caerphilly. 65% (almost two-thirds) of Cardiff residents travel to work by car, but 2% walk or work from home, 9% take the bus and 3% cycle see Figure 4.1. No. people working in Cardiff No. residents working in Cardiff No. people commuting out of Cardiff No. people commuting into Cardiff No. working Year residents ,5 176,2 17,3 24,2 68, ,3 184,8 113,3 22,9 71, , 185,2 114,6 26,5 7, ,3 193,3 119,8 26,5 73, ,3 188,6 115,9 27,4 72, ,6 197,5 119,8 24,8 77, ,7 196,2 122,3 25,4 74, ,2 197, 126,1 27,1 7, ,9 198,4 124,2 28,8 74,2 Table 4.1 People working and commuting in Cardiff (Cardiff Today - Key Economic Statistics, 21 edition; Statistics on Commuting in Wales 21) Figure 4.1 Travel to work in Cardiff (Statistics on Commuting in Wales, 21) Page 25 of 78

156 Domestic energy use is responsible for almost one third of Cardiff s CO2 emissions 4.8. Cardiff's domestic energy use is slightly lower than the Welsh average, and comparable with that of other large UK cities: see Figure Cardiff s footprint analysis indicates that existing housing stock is responsible for 98.7% of the ecological impact of the total for housing. Figure 4.2 Domestic energy use in major UK cities (GVA Grimley, 29, Cities, Commerce and Carbon) No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 4.6 Average household GB: Reduce energy Electricity: consumption Gas: 14, , , ,94 (kwh) (21) (21) (21) (25) 4.7 Percent of major developments that generate some of their energy from renewable sources Current data gap. Feasibility of this indicator to be investigated Commentary Cardiff's energy use is slightly better than the Welsh average and reducing over time Increase Current data gap Building regulations require developers to submit target energy use and CO2 emissions for their building(s). This can be used to calculate a percent of the demand to be met by renewables. Data Data sources quality 1 DECC Subnational energy consumption statistics Current data gap Part L2A revision of the building regulations Page 26 of 78

157 Flooding poses a particular threat to Cardiff due to its coastal location, low lying areas and rivers 4.9. The following risks are associated with climate change (Welsh Local Government Association (28) Changing Climate: Changing Places): Increased risk of flooding and erosion Increased pressure on drainage systems Drier soils and subsidence Significant habitat and species changes and loss Water quality issues in rivers and lakes Greater incidence of drought and problems with water supply Lower air quality Acidification of the sea Health issues in the summer Reduced energy demand in winter but increased demand in summer Increased prevalence of insect and water borne diseases Vulnerability of transport, waste and energy infrastructure Increase in demand for, and cost of, water Increased insurance costs and decreased property values Increased risk of forest and heathland fires Changes in the landscape Increased tourism due to warmer weather 4.1. Secondary effects of flooding include subsidence, spreading of contaminants, increased insurance premiums and damage to the image of Cardiff. The Cardiff area is likely to be subject to greater increases in temperature as a result of climate change than most of the rest of the UK (UKCIP 29) Flood risk is potentially the most serious of the problems associated with climate change, due to Cardiff s unique geography and distinctive location. Map 4.1 shows areas of Cardiff at risk of flooding. A more detailed flood risk consequences report of late 29 focused on nine areas of Cardiff (Table 4.2). Key: Wentloog tidal Briwnant & Tongwnlais Area of Junction 33, M4 Motorway Rhymney North Pontprennau Taff at Morganstown Taff/Ely 2d modelled area NE Cardiff Roath Brook & Nant Glandulais Cardiff West Bay Area to Pengam Green Table 4.2 Flood risk in selected areas (Atkins (29) Cardiff Strategic Flood Consequences Assessment) High risk Medium risk Low risk Risk varies from low to high Page 27 of 78

158 Page 28 of 78

159 4.12 The following factors also affect flood risk in Cardiff: The completion of the Barrage enclosing Cardiff Bay has provided protection against tidal inundation for Cardiff Bay. During storm surges the sluices for regulating the water level within the Bay must be kept closed creating a tidal lock. During times of tidal lock the water level in the Bay will steadily increase as both the Rivers Taff and Ely disgorge into it. With sea levels predicted to increase as climate change occurs, the time the bay experiences tidal lock will grow, increasing the likelihood that the Taff and Ely will start to back up. This could have major implications for the Bay and development along the lower stretches of the Taff and Ely, particularly during times when the rivers are transporting large volumes of water as a result of heavy rainfall Wentloog is at risk from inundation due to its low lying nature, predicted sea level rise, and some areas where coastal defences are at risk of overtopping. This will place the mud flats and sea wall under increasing pressure particularly during storm surges due to the tidal nature of the Severn Estuary. Several sites in the Wentloog area have extant planning permission. The lower reaches of the River Rymney are at particular risk of flooding during the storm surges when the level of the estuary can rise dramatically, combined with predicted sea level rises and the increased flow volumes of the Rumney. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 4.8 Number of properties at risk from river and coastal flooding About 1 households at significant risk (> 1 in 75 chance each year) of flooding, 4 more at moderate risk (> 1 in UK data Target Trend Indicator status No trend data is currently available but this data will be collected over the plan period. Commentary Data quality? Figures estimated from bar chart actual numbers not available on the web Data sources Flooding in Wales: a national assessment of flood risk, Environment Agency Wales, 29 Page 29 of 78

160 4.9 Percent of new development with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) 4.1 Number of new housing units approved in C1 and C2 flood risk areas 2) and about 28 slight risk No data currently available Current data gap. Feasibility of this indicator to be investigated? Cardiff Council has no data on this indicator.? Data will be included and collected in future monitoring reports. Current data gap 1 Planning Policy Team Cardiff Council Page 3 of 78

161 5. Cultural heritage and the historic environment Introduction 5.1. The city as seen and experienced today reflects a wealth of influences as it developed from a small community on the banks of the River Taff. Evidence still exists from Roman times and other key stages in the city s development. Most notably, the era of mining in the South Wales Valleys saw an unprecedented boom for Cardiff in terms of its economic and physical growth. Cardiff performed a vital role both as a port and commercial centre. The Victorian and Edwardian legacy in terms of street patterns and buildings is still clearly evident and provides a very distinctive character to large areas of the city. A range of formal designations have been used to help identify and protect the most important features of Cardiff s historic and architectural heritage. Whilst Cardiff continues to develop, it is important that its rich cultural, historic and architectural legacy is fully understood, protected and managed. The City s cultural and historic attractions perform an important national and regional role, attracting large numbers of visitors each year 5.2. In 21/11, St. David's Hall, New Theatre and Cardiff Castle each had more than 2, paid visitors. This reflects the importance nationally and regional of Cardiff s cultural and historic attractions. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 5.1 Number of paid Attendance in 21/11: attendances for St. David's Hall (not cultural venues including conferences): in Cardiff 235,95 New Theatre: 23,971 Cardiff Castle: 212, 84 UK data Target Trend Indicator status Attendance in 29/1: Not applicable 4, (Cardiff Council) St. David's Hall: 224,38 New Theatre: 239,35 Cardiff + Commentary Data quality Trend information will become available over the life of the plan as more data collected. 2 Data sources Managers of St. David's Hall, New Theatre and Cardiff Castle Page 31 of 78

162 Castle: 234,224 Cardiff contains a wide range of areas, buildings and monuments designated for historic value befitting of its Capital City status 5.3. There are 28 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Cardiff. Archaeological remains provide important, often irreplaceable, information about the past. Their investigation and, where appropriate, preservation is important in its own right and can provide an invaluable educational and tourism resource. Four archaeologically sensitive areas have been identified in Cardiff. They represent the most likely areas where the effect of development on the archaeological resource may be an issue during the determination of a planning application. They are: The City Centre St Fagans/Michaelstone-super-Ely The Wentloog Levels Llandaff 5.4. Cadw has listed 855 buildings or structures in Cardiff as being of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Cardiff also has 27 conservation areas (covering 811.7ha in total) designated for their special historic or architectural interest. They vary greatly in size and character and range from the villages of St Fagans and old St Mellons, to the more recent Victorian and Edwardian suburbs which developed during Cardiff s boom years. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 5.2 Percent of 27 appraisals conservation areas have been with an area completed since appraisal 25 undertaken in the (August212) last 1 years UK data Target Trend Indicator status (9 undertaken by March 27) + Not applicable 1% (Cardiff Council) Commentary A management plan is being prepared for the last conservation area Data Data sources quality Conservation Team, Cardiff Council; Cardiff has 15 Historic Parks and Gardens that cover 468 hectares. They are widely spread and of contrasting character. Some of the larger historic parks reach from the city centre to the outer suburbs. Cardiff s heritage extends well beyond those identified in statutory protections. All of the city s historic built fabric helps define the character of the city and the diverse cultural backgrounds of its residents and visitors. Map 5.1 shows the extent of designated sites, features, buildings and areas. Page 32 of 78

163 Some designated buildings/features are not in a favourable condition 5.6. In 29, 29 of Cardiff's listed buildings were at risk (Cardiff Council 21). This represents 3.4% of the current listed building stock in Cardiff. Three buildings have been taken off the 'at risk' list since 26. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 5.3 Percent of listed buildings at risk 29 buildings, 3.4% of the total (November 29) UK data Target Trend Indicator status (32 buildings, 3.75% of the total, at risk in March 26) Not available % (Cardiff Council) Commentary - 1 Data quality Data sources Buildings at risk register, Conservation Team, Cardiff Council Page 33 of 78

164 Page 34 of 78

165 6. Economy Introduction 6.1. Cardiff has undergone major changes over the last century with the decline of the coal industry, the increasing dominance of the service sector, and devolution combining to shape the city into what it is today. Cardiff is the key economic driver for south-east Wales 6.2. Today, Cardiff is the main driver of the South Wales economy. Cardiff's population is more than346, 6, more than 45% of whom are in employment. Cardiff employs more than 2, people, of whom about 7,9 (4%) commute into Cardiff for work. Overall, about one-third of the South East Wales workforce work in Cardiff (see Table 4.1). It is one of the UK's more competitive cities, and well ahead of the Welsh average. However the city struggles to convert this into outcomes for citizens, such as increased earnings; the recession has affected Cardiff like elsewhere; and the economic benefits of the last decade have not been felt universally across the city. No. Indicator 6.1 UK competitiveness Index Cardiff data Wales data 1.2 in 21 (13th out of 379 local areas) 83.9 in 21 (lowest of the UK regions) UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 1 No target identified 1.9 in 26; 99.9 in 29 + The UK Competitive Index brings together a range of economic indicators. Cardiff performs much better than the Welsh average. Data quality 1 Data sources UK Competitiveness Index census, Page 35 of 78

166 Cardiff has strong economic growth (reduced by the recession) and relatively high employment 6.3. Cardiff experienced strong growth in employment and Gross Value Added in the decade to 27. Although the number of jobs has since fallen, Cardiff is still significantly outperforming the Welsh and UK average. In 29, Cardiff generated 17% of the Welsh Gross Value Added, at over 22, per person. Average salaries are slightly above the UK average although significantly above the Welsh average. Employment levels have fallen since the recession, and currently (autumn 21) stand between the UK and Welsh averages. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 6.2 Number of jobs No target in Cardiff identified 6.3 Gross Value Added (GVA) per head of local population Full time jobs 28: 132,3 (17% increase since 2) Part time jobs 28: 58,6 (6% increase since 2) 22,234 (28) 21,195 (Cardiff and the Vale, 27) 8% increase in FT, 13% increase in PT jobs since 2 15,222 (28) 14,853 (27) 12,629 (23) 5% increase in FT, 8% increase in PT jobs since 2 21, 13 (28) 2,43 (27) 17,43 (23) No target identified FT : 113,1 in 2; 129,3 in 25; 136,4 in 27 + PT : 55,2 in 2; 65,7 in 25; 56,5 in 28 6% since 2 16,51 (Cardiff and the Vale, 23) + Cardiff performs well when compared to Wales and the UK. Cardiff's GVA grew by 28% between 23 and 27, compared with 17% for Wales and 2% for the UK. Data is for Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan. Data quality 1 1 Data sources Nomis Labour Market Profile: Cardiff, August 212 Office of National Statistics, Regional GVA, Dec. 29 Page 36 of 78

167 No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 6.4 Full time gross median pay ( /week) Percent of residents working age population in employment in 2 (46% increase to 21) 65.4% (211-12) 66.7% ( ) 66.8% (29-1) 7.2% (GB, ) No target identified 7.5% in 24 - Data quality Compares with 29.1% increase for Wales, 27.8% for UK 1 Recent figures are indicative of the current economic recession. 1 Data sources Nomis Labour Market Profile 21 Nomis Labour Market Profile Maps 6.1 and 6.2 show areas of high and low employment and income in Cardiff. Again, these are generally concentrated in the 'southern arc of deprivation', particularly Ely, Butetown, Caerau, Grangetown, Splott, Llanrumney, Pentwyn, Rumney and Trowbridge. Page 37 of 78

168 Page 38 of 78

169 Page 39 of 78

170 Manufacturing industries are in decline, and service sector industries and private sector employment are growing 6.5 Table 6.1 shows that key sectors in the city include financial and business services, and public administration, health and education. The service industry accounts for almost 9% of the jobs in the city, and almost one in three Cardiff residents work in the public sector. Finance, IT and other business activities increased by more than 6% between 1998 and 28, and account for one quarter of the employment in Cardiff. Manufacturing jobs in Cardiff have declined rapidly from over 2% thirty years ago, and are low compared to the Welsh and Great Britain average (Nomis, 21; Cardiff Council Economic Needs Assessment, 21). Table 6.1 Jobs in Cardiff, 28 (Nomis, 21) The workforce is polarised between qualified graduates and low skilled workforce 6.6. Cardiff has the most skilled workforce in the region, with almost 4% educated to a degree level or above. Cardiff has three higher education institutions, Cardiff University, the University of Wales Institute Cardiff and the Welsh College of Music and Drama, providing about 4, new graduates each year However areas of the city are still experience significant deprivation and low educational achievement, as is shown at Maps 1.3 and % of unemployed people claiming benefits have been unemployed for more than a year. The 'southern arc of deprivation' has a particularly high proportion of Job Seekers Allowance claimants (Map 6.3): in May the claimant rate in Butetown stood at 8.4%, seven and a half times the claimant rate of 1.1% in Lisvane. More significantly, the number of young people aged claiming benefits for over 6 months has increased rapidly since the start of the recession (Figure 6.1) (Cardiff Economic Needs Assessment, 21; Nomis, 21). Page 4 of 78

171 4, 3,5 Aged Aged 18-24, claiming for over 6 months Map 6.3 Claimant proportion by ward Darker = higher proportion (January 21) (Cardiff Trends 21) 3, 2,5 2, 1,5 1, 5 Jun-7 Aug-7 Oct-7 Dec-7 Feb-8 Apr-8 Jun-8 Aug-8 Oct-8 Dec-8 Figure 6.1 Unemployment claimants ages (Cardiff Economic Needs Assessment, 21) No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 6.6 Percent of 17.7% (Dec. 13.9% (Dec. 15.7% No target unemployed people 211) 211) (Dec. identified 11.6% in claiming benefit who 211) 25 have been out of - work for over a year Commentary Cardiff is performing unfavourably compared with Wales and UK, and still has some way to go. Data quality 1 Feb-9 Apr-9 Jun-9 Aug-9 Oct-9 Dec-9 Feb-1 Apr-1 Jun-1 Data sources Nomis Labour Market Profile: Cardiff Page 41 of 78

172 6.7 Proportion of residents on Jobseeker's Allowance May % May % May % No target identified 2.5% (Jan. 26) - JSA counts represent the economically active and working age population who are unemployed. This is the highest level since mid Nomis Labour Market Profile: Cardiff Significant areas of employment land have changed to alternative uses (notably housing) although land for employment is still available 6.8. Changing market conditions (as described above) have resulted in a shift in demand away from manufacturing towards alternative uses such as housing. Examples of this include the Arjo Wiggins site at Ely Bridge, AWE site on Caerphilly Road, and Maes y Coed Road. This trend has slowed due to the economic recession. Currently the employment land bank stands at hectares. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 6.8 Amount of land (in hectares) available for employment (211) Not applicable No target identified UK data Target Trend Indicator status 1.4 in 27 Commentary Data quality - 1 Data sources DTZ Employment Land Study 211 Page 42 of 78

173 7. Health and wellbeing Introduction 7.1. Although Cardiff generally has above average health and social conditions compared to the rest of Wales, there are considerable variations between and within localities, with people in some electoral divisions experiencing health deprivation that is amongst the worst in Wales. In 29 Cardiff was awarded Healthy City Status by the World Health Organisation, which demonstrates a commitment to improve the health and well being of local people. The health of Cardiff s population is generally better than the Welsh average although considerable discrepancies exist at ward level 7.2. Life expectancy is determined by a range of factors and gives an indication of the comparative wellbeing of the population up to now 7. A range of factors can influence life expectancy, including lifestyle, income, employment, access to services and the wider environment. Life expectancy at birth for Cardiff's residents is currently 76.6 years for men and 81.7 for women. Of the 44 local authorities in England and Wales, Cardiff ranks 31 for men and 24 for women: its women's life expectancy is roughly that of the Welsh average of 81.4, but men's life expectancy is less than the Welsh average of 77. (Office for National Statistics, 29) % of men and 22% of women in Cardiff have a limiting long-term illness. This compares well with the Welsh average of 26% (men) and 29% (women) (Welsh Heath Survey 28/9). 7 It does not provide an indication of the life expectancy for people born today. For this measure to accurately predict the life expectancy of existing residents two variables would need to remain constant: i) all people to live in the same area for their whole lives, and ii) the health of the population in the area to remain exactly the same for the next 8 years. These two conditions are obviously unlikely to be met. Page 43 of 78

174 7.4 The single largest cause of death in Cardiff is cardiovascular disease. Two major determinants of cardio vascular disease are smoking and diabetes. Cardiovascular diseases have been decreasing over time (as have other smoking related diseases) as smoking rates have declined. The smoking ban in public places means that the number of people smoking is likely to continue to decrease. Health varies considerably across the City 7.5. Considerable differences exist between individual areas within Cardiff. Map 7.1, which shows the health component of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 211, suggests that residents of Plasnewydd, Grangetown and Adamsdown have worse than average health. The WIMD health component brings together data on cancer incidence, death and long term limiting illness. In 25-9 the difference in life expectancy between the best fifth of Cardiff wards and the worst fifth was about 13 years for men and 1 for women. This was about the same as in and a much bigger difference than the Welsh average. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 7.1 Prevalence of key illnesses in 29/1 (in %): High blood press Heart condition 7 9 Respiratory illness Mental Illness 1 1 Arthritis Diabetes Gap between the wards with the highest and lowest life expectancy 25-9 Lowest: highest: M F Average: M F 81.6 (27-9) Average: UK data Target Trend Indicator status No readily + Cardiff comparab out le data performs available Wales Average: M 77.9 F 82. (27 29) Average: No target data for 24/ Reduce difference (Cardiff Council)? - but most illnesses are rising Commentary Data quality? 2 1 Data sources Welsh Health Survey 21 Welsh Health Survey 24/6 Measuring inequalities 211: Trends in mortality and life expectancy in Page 44 of 78

175 23 Lowest: Highest: M F ( ) M F ( ) Wales, NHS Public Hea;lth Wales Observatory Experimental Statistics, ONS Life Expectancy statistical bulletin (WAG November 21). Page 45 of 78

176 Page 46 of 78

177 Over half of Cardiff s adults are clinically overweight or obese 7.6. Obesity among UK children and adults is increasing, and evidence suggests that this trend will continue in the future. In Cardiff 57% of men and 46% of women were overweight or obese in 28/9, up 2% from three years earlier. Under a third of Cardiff s adults get the exercise that they need 7.7. Government guidelines recommend that adults should undertake 3 minutes or more of at least moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days a week (Department of Health 24). Only one in three men and one in five women in Cardiff reported meeting these levels. Cardiff ranks second lowest of the Welsh authorities for men, and joint lowest for women on this basis. Access to recreational open space is an important determinant of good health: open space provision is discussed in Chapter 8 (landscape). No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 7.3 Percent of adults M: 56%, W: 46% M: 62% who are overweight M+W: 51% W: 52% or obese Best of the Welsh local authorities for women 7.4 Percent of adults who reported meeting physical activity guidelines in the past week M:3%, W: 21% 2 nd lowest of the Welsh local authorities for men, joint lowest for women M: 36% W: 23% UK data Target Trend Indicator status England 29: No target M: 66% 5% M+W W: 57% in 24/6 - England 28: M: 39% W: 29% No target 31% overall in 24/6 Commentary Better than Welsh and UK averages, but still a long way to go. Data quality! 1 1 Data sources Welsh Health Survey, 29 and 21 Welsh Health Survey 24/6 Welsh Health Survey 29 and 21 Welsh Health Survey 24/6 Page 47 of 78

178 Road safety has generally improved 7.8. Figure 7.1 shows that there continues to be a downward trend in the number of road casualties over time. Taking a five year rolling average, the total number of casualties for 29 decreased by 23% from the 1998 baseline year. Similarly, there has been a decrease in the number of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties between 1998 and 29 of 39%. There have been no child fatalities since 27, however 6 serious child casualties occurred during 29 and 1 in Of all accident casualties (killed, seriously injured and slightly injured) in 28, 18% were pedestrians, 8% cyclists, 5% motorcyclists, 63% car users, and 7% other. Figure 7.1 Accident trends for Cardiff Accident Casualties in Cardiff Year Fatal + Serious Casualties Slight Casualties per 1 million veh-km Child Fatal + Serious Casualties 5yr avg. Fatal + Serious Casualties Trendline 5yr avg. Child Fatal + Serious Casualties Trendline 5yr avg. Fatal + Serious Casualties 5yr avg. Slight Casualties per 1 million veh-km 5yr avg. Child Fatal + Serious 5yr avg. Slight Casualties per 1 million veh-km Trendline Page 48 of 78

179 No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data Target Trend Indicator status 7.5 No. people killed or seriously injured in year average traffic accidents All: 92 Children: people were killed or seriously injured in 211. This is up from 187 in 21, the first increase after steady reductions from 1871 in The average was 28. 4% fewer killed or seriously injured by 21s (LTP t PI 3.1) 5% fewer children under the age of 16 killed or seriously injured by 21 (LTP PI 3.2) on target: 39% decrease from 127 average Commentary The number of fatal, serious and slight casualties continues to fall. The rate of slight casualties to total volume of road traffic saw a 26% decrease between the 5 year rolling average of and Data quality 1 Data sources Police Accident Statistics / Department for Transport Road Safety Cardiff Infrastructure, Cardiff Council LTP APR Monitoring LTP PI 3.1 and 3.2 Crime levels have also broadly improved or remained steady 7.1. There were more than 3, notifiable offences in Cardiff in 29/1, with criminal damage, violence against the person and theft from motor vehicles being the most prevalent. Overall crime levels have stayed broadly level over the last decade, with a reduction in burglaries and theft, but more variability amongst other forms of crime. The south and east of the city is subject to higher levels of crime than elsewhere, and Cathays ward (includes city centre) sees a particularly high number of criminal damage, violence against the person, and drug offences see Map 7.3 (Cardiff Needs Assessment, 21). Page 49 of 78

180 Environmental quality a determinant of health varies greatly within Cardiff The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation brings together information about air quality, air emissions, flood risk, and proximity to waste disposal and industrial sites into a physical environment index. Map 7.3 shows that, under this index, Butetown, Splott and Adamsdown fare particularly badly, as does Whitchurch and Tongwynlais. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data 7.6 Notifiable offences 21-11: 23/4 Not applicable violence against person wounding/endangering life other wounding harassment common assault robbery theft from person criminal damage burglary in building burglary elsewhere theft of motor vehicle theft from motor vehicle Target Trend Indicator status No target identified Burglaries and theft down, others more variable + some offences are down - but still some way to go Commentary Data Data sources quality 1 Office of National Statistics, Neighbourhood Statistics Page 5 of 78

181 Map 7.2 Violence against the Person, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Damage, Burglary from a Dwelling (Joint Needs Assessment, 21) Page 51 of 78

182 Page 52 of 78

183 8. Landscape Introduction 8.1. Cardiff has a unique landscape setting comprising of an island, coastline, three major river valleys and a countryside backdrop of distinctive topography. A landscape study (Cardiff Council et al 1999) using the Countryside Council for Wales LANDMAP methodology was completed in 1996 for Cardiff s countryside. The study identified fourteen areas of distinctive landscape character ( Combined Aspect Areas ) and also proposed five of these areas as Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) to be considered for formal designation, in 27 the 1999 landscape study was updated and extended to include more of the river corridors. Landscape interests also extend into the urban area, principally through the important strategic role played by the river valleys of the Taff, Ely, and Rhymney together with other valued areas of open space within the urban fabric. Map 8.1 shows some of the features that contribute to Cardiff s unique landscape. The main issues relating to Cardiff s landscape resource concern the effective protection, management and enhancement of this unique resource. Cardiff has a very strong and distinctive landscape backdrop 8.2. Garth Mountain, Caerphilly Mountain and Graig Llanishen provide a strong and imposing backdrop along the northern edge to the city. The ridge rises to a thousand feet above sea level on the summit of Garth Mountain and has a pronounced escarpment together with lower slopes leading down to the M4 and northern edge of the urban area. The ridge, forming the southern rim of the South Wales coalfields, is dramatically broken where the River Taff breaks through, forming the Taff Gorge at Tongwnlias Much of the west of the urban area is enclosed by the Leckwith Escarpment. This forms a strong physical and visual backdrop for land immediately outside the administrative area and within the Vale of Glamorgan In contrast to the strong topography to the north and west, the eastern edge of the city, adjacent to the Severn Estuary, is flat. It forms part of a much larger historic landscape unit, the Gwent Levels, which extends alongside the River Severn beyond Newport. Page 53 of 78

184 Page 54 of 78

185 Three major river valleys run through the city 8.5. Three major river valleys run through Cardiff. The valleys contain large areas of open space and are a significant determinant of the urban form of the city. They also provide a valued resource for biodiversity, recreational, historic and cultural interests The River Taff valley has strong historic links as it provided an important corridor for the movement of goods between Cardiff Docks and the South Wales Valleys. It is well accessed by local communities along its whole length and a National Cycleway, the Taff Trail, follows its length in Cardiff and beyond to the Brecon Beacons. It forms a significant and well-known feature, passing through Llandaff, the City Centre and Cardiff Bay The River Ely merges with the Taff in Cardiff Bay and forms the administrative boundary with the Vale of Glamorgan for its lower length. Although not containing the same scale of open spaces and adjoining communities as the River Taff, the Ely Valley performs an important strategic and local role. Its western section in the vicinity of St Fagans is of particularly high landscape, biodiversity and historic value To the east of the city, the River Rhymney forms a well defined valley and contains the only tidal estuary in the city (as the Taff and Ely run into Cardiff Bay that is held within a barrage to the Severn Estuary). Visually, the valley is very prominent as the A48, a main route into the city, follows the western edge of the valley into the city Tributaries to the rivers also add to Cardiff s range of landscape features. Most are small streams with catchments from within the city. However, some have become important corridors in their own right such as the Nant Fawr which contains a range of well-used open spaces including Roath Park, a major attraction of Green Flag status. Action plans have been prepared for all three river valleys detailed above. The coastline presents complex issues and opportunities 8.1. Cardiff has a coastline on the River Severn Estuary with its huge tidal range, but its characteristics and accessibility are very mixed. The Cardiff Bay Barrage provides public access to the coast in the west but the shoreline to the east along the operational dock area and to the south of the steel works/ sewerage station is not currently accessible. To the east of the Rhymney estuary lies the Lamby Way landfill site, and part of a much longer stretch of undeveloped coastline running to Newport. Page 55 of 78

186 8.11. The undeveloped coast contains mudflats and rapidly eroding saltings below the high water mark. A sea wall then runs along the whole length of coast to Newport. The flat land behind forms part of the Gwent Levels, an area of land reclaimed from the sea in Roman times that is drained by a complex of ditches known as reens. This land is below high water level, hence the need for a sea wall Flat Holm Island is a Special Landscape Area (SLA) situated approximately 5 miles from Cardiff and Barry. Flat Holm is a locally, nationally and internationally designated site due to the unique assemblages of flora and fauna is supports plus historic interests The Wales Assembly Government announced in late 26 its aim of improving public access to the coast. The Wales Coast Path (WCP) was from the border near Chester to Chepstow officially opened on 5 th May 212. The Cardiff section links to the Vale of Glamorgan at the Barrage in the west and Newport boundary along the seawall in the east, total route is 15.6km No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 8.1 Length of coast Not applicable To with formal public increase 1.73km in access (21 WCP route 15.6 km, inc 5.64 km (212) PRoW.35 km (212) Park 1.73 km (21) 1.4 km (26) Wales Coast Path total route 1,4 km - Achieved 1.4km in 26 + Commentary Data quality New Creation orders for Public Rights of Way total 5.64km (inc.94km Dedication by DCWW & 1.41km as PRoW Bridleway) and.35km on Parks land (Parc 1 Tredelerch). Appropriate Assessment has confirmed feasibility of the route adjacent to the Severn Estuary subject to mitigation measures. Data sources Natural Environment Group, Cardiff Council Coastal Access Officer, Rights of Way Team, Cardiff Council Page 56 of 78

187 Five areas have been proposed as SLAs The Cardiff Landscape Study (Cardiff Council et al 1999, updated 27) considered that 5 of the 14 landscape character areas were of sufficient quality to be proposed for Special Landscape Area status (SLA). They indicate parts of Cardiff s landscape that are considered to be of quality meriting local designation. The areas are: Garth Hill & Pentyrch Hills Caerphilly Mountain St Fagans Gwent Levels No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 8.2 Area (in hectares) of Proposed SLAs Not applicable No target? landscape protected ha by local landscape Proposed Greenbelt -? designations 1468 ha Flat Holm Cardiff is generally well served by open spaces within the urban area, but some areas are under-provided Commentary Areas of SLA and Green Belt are those proposed in the deposit copy of the UDP Data quality 1 Data sources Deposit copy UDP, Cardiff Council Green/open spaces are important because they improve people's mental and physical health, encourage physical activity, are attractive, support biodiversity, act as a carbon sink, and can help to adapt to climate change. There are several ways of testing the adequacy of open space provision: Accessibility: Distance to green areas influences how often people visit them. A survey of 27 showed that 69% of Cardiff's area (not its population) is within 4 metres about a six minute walk of a green area, and only 1% is more than 2 kilometres from a green area. Whilst Pentwyn, Llanrumney, Llanishen, Pentyrch and Fairwater all have more than 85% of their area within 4m of an accessible natural green space, the areas of Roath, Birchgrove, Ely, Canton and particularly Adamsdown and Plasnewydd have limited areas within 4m of green spaces (CCW and Cardiff Council (28) Analysis of Accessible Natural Greenspace Provision in Cardiff). Amount: The Welsh Assembly Government recommends that 2.43 hectares (6 acres) of open space should be provided per 1 population, divided into formal, informal and children's play areas. Only two of Cardiff's 29 wards Caerau and Riverside - meet these standards. The wards of Page 57 of 78

188 Adamsdown, Cyncoed, Ely, Fairwater, Gabalfa, Lisvane, Llandaff, Pentwyn, Penylan, Plasnewydd all have less than one-third of their open space requirements see Map 8.2 (Cardiff Open Space Survey 29). Quality: A survey of 27 which analysed the quality and value of Cardiff's open spaces found that the Ely, Gabalfa, Llandaff North and Adamsdown, which contained no sites designated for nature and built environment conservation purposes, were the worst wards in terms of their average value ratings. Wards with open space of both high quality and value are concentrated at the heart of the city, with quality scores ranging from 43% to 64%. Open spaces in the eastern and western sides of the city were more likely to have lower scores, with the exception of Creigiau and St. Fagans. In terms of overall quality and value, Plasnewydd came out on top with an average of 64%, whilst Grangetown had the lowest average score of 55% (Cardiff Open Space Survey 27). Cardiff s landscape qualities are vulnerable to insensitive new development and land management practices The Landscape Study (Cardiff Council et al 1999) identified a number of negative attributes and detractors that have and could adversely affect landscape quality in the city. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 8.3 Achievement of Only 2 out of Cardiff's Not available (2.43ha per? recreational open 29 wards (Caerau and 1 space Riverside) meet population)! requirements requirements (29) 8.4 Area of Cardiff within 4m of accessible natural green space 68.7% (27) 1%? - Commentary Overall provision of 43.29ha; requirement of 78.3ha; deficit of ha. Over 3% of Cardiff s population are over 4m away. Data quality 2 2 Data sources Cardiff Open Space Survey 29 Page 58 of 78

189 Page 59 of 78

190 9. Natural resources Introduction 9.1. Cardiff has developed over the centuries utilising the natural resources available within the area and from beyond. As the city continues to develop, it is important that its natural resources are used prudently. Land is a key resource in the city as it is an essential requirement for development, but also the basis for agriculture, open spaces and biodiversity interests. Approximately two thirds of the administrative area is built up, and a third is countryside or open space. Whilst there is physical capacity for greenfield expansion, account needs to be taken of the wider role and value of the land. Agricultural land and allotments help to provide local food, as well as improving residents' physical and mental health. Brownfield land offers opportunities for development, although remediation may be required on contaminated sites resulting from previous industrial activities. Water resources are becoming an increasingly important issue in the light of climate change. Water quality is improving in the rivers, but it is important that vulnerable aquifers are suitably safeguarded and that the water resource as a whole is properly managed. Recent years have seen a high proportion of housing completions on previously used (brownfield) land 9.2. New housing built in 211/12 was almost solely on brownfield sites. During the last decade, the use of predominantly brownfield sites has contributed to the development of a large proportion of apartments, particularly in the Cardiff Bay and central areas of the city (Local Housing Strategy 21). Whilst this has reduced the demand on greenfield sites, they have also affected the range and choice of housing on supply, with implications for the provision of affordable housing, family housing and affordability in general. Additionally, the development of many brownfield sites may have implications for local employment if existing business premises are being lost to housing. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 9.1 Percent of housing on previously developed land 98.6% (211/12) Not available 6% (DCLG) UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 94.7% in 25/6, 36.4% in 1997/98 Data quality + 1 Data sources Housing Monitoring, Cardiff Council Page 6 of 78

191 As a result of Cardiff s industrial past, many sites could potentially be contaminated 9.3. Past industrial activities have led to land to become contaminated in various ways over many years. Cardiff Council is aware of about 141 hectares of potentially contaminated land, including industrial, mining and quarrying, dockland and former waste disposal sites. Some contaminated land sites only come to the Council's attention when developers undertake site investigations on land being considered for future development, so this number could increase in the future. 9.4 In recent years Cardiff has undergone a significant amount of redevelopment works which has seen many remediation projects occurring. Development of contaminated land has the advantage of cleaning up land and securing regeneration although this incurs additional costs. When brownfield sites are redeveloped, they are usually done so on a 'suitable for use' basis, and as such the remediation undertaken on the sites depends on the proposed end use 8. Most of the remediation that is undertaken involves engineering practices, for instance capping over the existing contaminated land with imported clean soils, thus encapsulating the contamination. Whilst this is an effective remediation methodology in that it breaks the pathways and exposure to the contamination, it does not reduce/ breakdown or remove the contamination from the site The Council has prepared a Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy (Cardiff Council 21) that sets out how the Council will deliver its statutory duties and provides a framework to identify, inspect and remediate contaminated land. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 9.2 Number and area Approx. 141 ha Not applicable Reduce area? (in hectares) of (1% of Cardiff of potentially unclear potentially area), 21 contaminated due to contaminated sites land (Cardiff how sites Council) are? identified Commentary The sites have been identified (predominantly) by looking at past industrial activities and identifying those activities that could have resulted in contamination. Data quality 2 Data sources Cardiff Pollution Control Division 8 For instance, the remediation undertaken on a site for commercial/industrial development would not be suitable to accommodate residential purposes, so if such a site was considered for residential development in the future, some form of additional remedial works would probably be required. Page 61 of 78

192 Good quality agricultural land is known to exist in Cardiff but no comprehensive survey has been undertaken recently 9.6. The latest Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) criteria adopted in 1976 classifies land into 5 grades. The best and most versatile land is defined as Grades 1, 2 and 3a. This is the land which is most flexible, productive and efficient in response to inputs and which can deliver future crops for food and non food uses such as biomass, fibres and pharmaceuticals. Old ALC records (before the subdivision of Grade 3) show areas of grade 2 and 3 at locations outside the urban area. The best quality land is located within the Rhymney valley to the north east of the city and is known to have supported arable use in recent years. Other farmland outside the urban edge to the north and west was classified within Grade 3 but no known comprehensive survey has been undertaken to classify under the 1976 criteria. The ridge to the north of the city and levels to the east are considered less likely to fall within the best and most versatile land under the criteria Agricultural land values have risen sharply in recent years, particularly in Wales. A survey by Savills suggests that land values in Wales rose by more than 8% between 23 and 28 - more than twice as fast as the Great Britain average - driven in part by a sharp reduction in the land available for sale, and the higher values that non-farmers are willing to pay (Savills Agricultural Land Market Survey 29). No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status Commentary 9.3 Area (in hectares) of Current data gap?? No recent survey of grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land (last agricultural land survey occurred prior to the 1976 revision of ALC). Data Data quality sources Current data gap Cardiff's allotments are important for people's health and food security, but they are oversubscribed 9.8. Allotments play an important part in improving people's health. Not only do they offer the opportunity to grow food but they also provide an excellent form of outdoor activity, exercise, relaxation, and a place where people can meet each other. Cardiff's allotments strategy suggests that a minimum of 15 plots should be provided per 1 households 9. This would mean 255 plots for Cardiff's current population, and almost 27 for its future population 1. 9 This is equivalent to the 1993 average for England (Cardiff allotments strategy 25). 1 The Welsh Assembly Government's Household Projections for Wales 21 predict that Cardiff will have 179, households in 223 Page 62 of 78

193 Although Cardiff currently has about 2 plots, allotments in Cardiff are already often difficult to obtain due to long waiting lists: in 29, only three of the council's sites had plots available (Cardiff Council allotment categories and prices, 21). No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales / UK Target data 9.4 Number and area Not of allotments, applicable number of plots Between 25 and 28 allotments (more than 2 plots) covering between 65 and 79 hectares, depending on the data source used. 24 sites fully let with a total of 215 tenants; waiting list over 1 15 plots per 1 households (Cardiff Allotment Strategy 25) No loss of area of allotments (Cardiff Biodiversity Action Plan) "ensure that statutory allotments... are sufficient to meet the demands of local residents wishing to cultivate them" (TAN 16) Trend Indicator Commentary status? - Different data sources provide different information about allotments. Long waiting lists at many sites. Data Data sources quality 2 Cardiff Allotment Strategy 25 Draft Allotment Strategy 21 Cardiff Biodiversity Action Plan Cardiff Open Space Survey 27 Cardiff has sufficient mineral reserves to last about 3 years 9.9. Mineral resources are a valuable but finite resource. They provide the essential raw materials for our buildings, infrastructure and their maintenance. An adequate and steady supply of minerals is essential to the national, regional and local economy and their exploitation makes a significant contribution to economic prosperity and quality of life Cardiff is one of the largest producers and consumers of minerals in the region. Natural minerals in Cardiff include quarried hard rock (carboniferous limestone and dolomite) and dredged sand landed in Cardiff Docks. In 24, crushed rock production in Cardiff was just over half a million tonnes (mt) per year, and about.2 mt of sea dredged sand is landed at Cardiff Docks each year 11. Most of this natural mineral production is used in the construction 11 South Wales Regional Aggregates Working Party, Annual Reports 24, 28 and 21 Page 63 of 78

194 industry as aggregates. Secondary materials also substitute for natural aggregates. Approximately.1 mt of steelworks slag is used per year for construction purposes, and a significant quantity of construction and demolition waste is recycled as aggregate Cardiff's permitted reserves of hard rock minerals represented about 69 years of supply at the then current output rates in 21, up from 33 years in 28 and 53 years in This variation reflects changes in rates of use in development. The land bank will continue to decrease as the reserves are quarried, highlighting the need to protect them from inappropriate development. However, they still represent a significant land bank. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 9.5 Landbank (in years) About 69 of mineral reserves years (South Wales authorities) n/a 1 years variable, depending on demand Commentary Data quality + 2 Data sources South Wales Regional Aggregates Working Party, 21 Chemical and biological water quality of the rivers Taff, Ely and Rhymney is fair to good and water quantity is satisfactory Cardiff contains the three major river valleys of the Taff, Ely and Rhymney together with other watercourses such as the Nant Fawr. Historically, the rivers' water quality has been degraded due to mining activities, urban run-off and extensive physical modifications. However water quality has dramatically improved in recent years as improvements have been made to drainage systems and mining related activities have ceased upstream. This has allowed the return of salmon and sea trout, with some tributaries providing spawning and nursery areas However Cardiff's rivers are still vulnerable to overflows from abandoned mine workings, and diffuse and intermittent pollution from urban and industrial development. The South East Valleys catchment, of which they are part, is one of the worst catchments of the ten that comprise the Severn River Basin. In the catchment overall, only 6% of river length is achieving good ecological status or potential, as required by the Water Framework Directive. The Environment Agency does not expect this to change by 215. Proposed action to tackle problems in the river catchment include improvements to sewer overflows and sewage treatment works discharges to reduce pollution by ammonia and other substances, pollution monitoring and habitat improvements (Environment Agency, 29, River Basin Management Plan Severn). 12 ibid. Page 64 of 78

195 9.14. Abstraction in the lower Taff catchment is dominated by the exempt abstraction at Blackweir that supplies Cardiff docks, while the licensed abstractions sum to a comparatively small total. Water resources in the Ely catchment are currently not fully utilised. The main abstractions in this unit are industry related (Environment Agency Wales 26). No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data 9.6 Percent of river South East Valleys lengths achieving Catchment: good ecological Good 4.% status or potential Moderate 77% Poor 18% Bad 1% 9.7 Total non-tidal water abstractions 9.8 Percentage of Cardiff s rivers achieving Good General Quality Assessments Number of abstraction licenses: 47 4,49,97 M 3 per year, total. (21) Cardiff Data (including Whitchurch canal). biology A 5.74 UK data Target Trend Indicator status 1%? good by In 26, good 227 chemical quality 94.4%; good - biological quality 79.4% No Comparator? This was the amount abstracted in 21, data will be acquired for subsequent years as part of LPD monitoring Wales Data Biology A B 5.39 General quality assessments for biology and chemistry Commentary Data quality The Water Framework Directive requires water quality to be monitored differently from 26, so 2 there is no trend data. Data is for the entire catchment, including Data sources Environment Agency Wales Cardiff's rivers? 2 Environment Agency Wales + GQA are made yearly by Environment Agency the Environment Agency Wales (21) Wales. Cardiff has shown its strongest improvements in Page 65 of 78

196 B C D E- F- No data 5.24 Chemistry A B C D E F C 1.83 D.71 E.74 F No data 4.15 Chemistry A B C 3.1 D.83 E 1.23 F.6 No data 1.1 show year on year improvements (figure 9.1) chemical water quality compared with biology. However, GQA is still below the Welsh average. Page 66 of 78

197 Figure 9.1 Trends in Biological and chemical General Water Quality in Cardiff ( Environment Agency Wales 21) Page 67 of 78

198 1. Population Introduction 1.1 Cardiff has unique population characteristics that are different to those experienced within the South East Wales region and Wales as a whole. Its population has grown rapidly over the last 2 years, and this rapid growth is expected to continue. Cardiff s population has increased steadily over the past 2 years but much more rapidly since 21 reaching 345,4 in Figure 1.1 shows the change in Cardiff s population over the last 29 years. The average growth rate over this period was.57%. Analysis of the components of population change (births, deaths and net migration) are shown at Figure 1.2. This reveals relatively stable birth and death rates resulting in an average natural change of 1, persons per year over the past 29 years. Migration trends fluctuate more considerably but the overall trend between 1981 and 29 shows a net migration of 7 persons per year The average annual population increase over the period was 3,3 per year, approximately 83% above the average for and approximately 181% above the average for This reflects the trend for population to increase mostly from net migration rather than from relatively stable natural increase. The last 4 years have seen a net in migration of approximately 2,8 per year Figure 1.1 Cardiff's population (s), (National Statistics) Page 68 of 78

199 1.4. The population of the South East Wales region has increased from 1.37 million in 1981 (48.8% of the Wales total) to 1.45 million in 29 (48.2% of the Wales total). However within the region, the coastal areas have seen an increase in populations whilst the valley authorities have experienced a loss of share (and amount) to varying degrees. For example, Cardiff has experienced a 17.2% growth in population over the period , whilst Merthyr Tydfil has experienced a loss of 8.1% over the same period Figure 1.2 Births, deaths and net migration, s (National Statistics) Figure 1.3 Population (%) by local authority in South East Wales 29 (total 1.45 million) (National Statistics) Births Deaths Net Migration Bridgend 9.3% Vale of Glam 8.6% Merthyr Tydfil 3.9% RCT 16.2% Caerphilly 11.9% Blaenau Gwent 4.7% Torfaen 6.3% Monmouthshire 6.1% Newport 9.7% Population and household numbers will increase in South East Wales, and Cardiff s proportion of this is increasing 1.5. The Welsh Assembly Government's population projections suggest that Cardiff's population will increase by 22% to 223, from 336,2 to 41,5. Predictions of household numbers are for a 31% increase between 28 and 223, from 137, households to 179, (WAG Household and Population Projections for Wales (28-Based), 21). Cardiff 23.3% Page 69 of 78

200 No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator status 1.1 Total population 341,1 3,6,4 6,462,6 No target Increase population (21) contextual indicator 1.2 Number of households and average household size Households 142,1 (21) Average size 2.34 (21) 1,318,5 (21) Average size 2.26 (21) 2.75 (1981) England and Wales Households - 218,68, (28) Average size -2.3 (28) 2.65 (1981) Accommo date LDP household projection s number up, size down: 2.45 (21) 2.54 (1991) 2.75 (1981) contextual indicator Commentary Cardiff s population and number of households has increased steadily over the past 29 years but much more rapidly since 21. The number of households is increasing year on year in Cardiff, Wales and the UK. Average household size is decreasing. Data quality 1 1 Data sources Office for National Statistics DCLG and WAG projections Page 7 of 78

201 Average household size is decreasing, with a decline in married couples but an increase in one person, lone parents and cohabiting couples 1.6. Cardiff s average household size has been consistently higher than that for Wales and England & Wales, but it has been decreasing in line with national rates. Household size is diminishing due in part to a marked decline in the proportion of married couple households and an increase in single households and cohabiting couple households. The latest WAG 26 based household projections indicates that Cardiff's predominant sizes of household is of 1 or 2 people (64% of households). Based on past trends, it is projected that this will increase to 68% of all households by 226: see Table 1.1. Cardiff: Projected Households by Type - Thousands (WAG 26 based projections) Year Change Household Type No % % of total change 1 person person (no children) person (no children) person (no children) person (2 adults, 1 child) person (1 adult, 2 children) persons (no children) persons (no children) persons (1 adult, 3 children) persons (no children) persons (2 adults 1+ children) persons (1 adult, 4+ children) All Household Types Table 1.1 Projected households by type for Cardiff, s (WAG 26 based projections) Page 71 of 78

202 Cardiff has a relatively high proportion of young adults and a low proportion of older age groups compared to Wales as a whole 1.7. Figures 1.4 and 1.5 provide a summary of the population age structure for Cardiff and South East Wales. Cardiff's population distribution contrasts markedly from that of South East Wales (and UK, which are similar to each other). Cardiff has a higher percent of population in age groups years but relatively lower percent in older age groups from 4 years upwards Of particular significance is the effect of Cardiff s student population who represent around 1% of the city residents. Most full-time students are aged between 18 and 29 years old. Almost 19% of Cardiff s population falls within the 2-29 age range compared with less than 12% for South East Wales as a whole. Figure 1.4 Cardiff age structure in 21 (National Statistics) Figure 1.5 South East Wales age structure in 21 (National Statistics) Page 72 of 78

203 Ethnic groups as a proportion of Cardiff s population are higher than for Wales as a whole 1.9. Figure 1.6 shows that Cardiff s population profile in terms of ethnic group is quite different to the Wales average but much closer to England and Wales combined. At the time of the 21 population census, Cardiff s white population accounted for 91.6% of the total, compared to Wales (97.9%) and England & Wales (91.3%). The ethnic minority populations tend to live in the poorest inner city areas that rank amongst the most deprived areas in Wales (see Map 1.1) Minority Ethnic Persons as a Percentage of Population in 27 by Broad Age-Group: Cardiff, Wales & England & Wales (Source: ONS 27 Experimental Estimate) Figure 1.6 Ethnic groups of the population (Cardiff Council, Joint Needs Assessment 21, based on ONS 27 Experimental Statistics) /59 65/6 Plus England & Wales Wales Cardiff Page 73 of 78

204 11. Waste Introduction The Welsh Assembly Government has set challenging targets for recycling and composting. Combined with European Union legislation, these are driving change towards more sustainable waste management practice. Cardiff's waste is managed on a sub-regional basis, along with other local authorities in South East Wales. Information on waste produced in Cardiff is limited: much of the information provided in this chapter is about South East Wales as a whole The South East of Wales had an estimated 8.6 years of remaining landfill capacity in 28, see figure Figure 11.1 Remaining landfill capacity, in years (Environment Agency Wales 28) Page 74 of 78

205 Construction and demolition waste is currently the biggest component of waste in South East Wales Construction and demolition waste is the biggest component of waste in South East Wales, accounting for about 55% of all waste produced. This is followed by municipal (17%), industrial (15%) and commercial (1%) waste (South East Wales Regional Waste Group 28) - see Figure Municipal waste produced in Cardiff, as in the UK as a whole, increased rapidly to a peak in 24/5 but is now decreasing significantly. In 28/9, Cardiff Council was responsible for over 118, tonnes of municipal waste, down sharply from a peak of 171, four years earlier (Statswales, 21). The first quarter of 212 was 11% lower than the same period in In 25/6, Cardiff had 4 civic amenity sites, 11 scrapyard/metal reprocessing sites, 24 mobile plants, 3 physical treatment plants, 1 physico-chemical treatment plant, 14 transfer stations, and 1 windrow composting site. In total, these had a capacity for 4.44 million tonnes of waste, more than half of that for South East Wales as a whole (South East Wales Regional Waste Group Regional Waste Plan 1 st Review, 28). Figure 11.2 Amount (in tonnes) of waste arisings in South East Wales, 25/6 (South East Wales Regional Waste Group, 28) No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 11.1 Commercial and SE Wales industrial waste 1,244,948 arising per year (25/6) 247,68 tonnes (22/3 most recent data available) Not known No target 1,29,92 in 22/3 (SE Wales) - tonnage down but still high Cardiff Council has no suitable local data Data Data sources quality South East Wales Regional Waste Group 3 Regional Waste Plan 1 st Review, Page 75 of 78

206 11.2 Construction and demolition waste arising per year 11.3 Municipal waste arising per year 11.4 Number of planning applications with site waste management plans Not available 161,8 tonnes (211/12), down from 181,8 in 27/8 SE Wales 2,858,774 tonnes (25/6) Wales million (211/12), down from (27/8) Not known 11% decrease in 4 years Recycle or reuse 7% by 2,747,765 in 225 (WG) 22/3 (SE Wales) Current data gap. Feasibility of this indicator to be investigated Decreasing - + 1? Such plans may become a legal requirement for large projects in the future 28 Statswales, Municipal Waste Arisings 212 ( atswales.wales. gov.uk/tablevie wer/tableview. aspx?reportid= 1564) Current data gap Page 76 of 78

207 Recycling rates are improving rapidly following the completion of a new recycling facility and rolling out a recycling scheme Cardiff's recycling and composting rates have historically been significantly below the Welsh average. Only 1.4% of the municipal waste stream was recycled in 24/5 compared to a Welsh recycling rate of 21.7%. However this has improved rapidly with the opening of the Materials Recycling Facility, the PAS 1 Composting Facility, the In-vessel composting facility and the roll-out of an integrated kerbside recycling scheme, and Cardiff at 49% is now slightly ahead of the Wales average of 48%. No. Indicator Cardiff data Wales data UK data Target Trend Indicator Commentary status 11.5 The percent of 49% (211-12) 48% (211- WG targets of municipal waste 12) 52% (212-13), 3.4% in 2/1 prepared for reuse, 58% (215-16) 1.4% in 24/5 composted or 64% (219-2) 39% (29/1) recycled and 7% (224-25) 11.6 Number of bring sites and large household recycling centres 14 bring sites 4 Household recycling centres N/A N/A N/A Data quality + 1 Data sources Statswales, Local Authority Municipal Waste Management, January March ov.uk/docs/sta tistics/212/1 2628sdr142 12en.pdf Page 77 of 78

208 It is unclear how Cardiff's waste will change in the future There is considerable uncertainty regarding the likely future of Cardiff's waste. Factors affecting waste growth include: Population changes Changes to the number and size of households Consumer behaviour Effectiveness of waste minimisation strategies Changes in the economic prosperity of the region In 28, based on past trends, future population change, economic activity and legislation, the South East Wales Regional Waste Group predicted an 83% growth in municipal waste between 23/4 and 224/25; a 17-2% increase in commercial and construction waste; and a significant reduction in industrial, agricultural and hazardous waste see Figure Figure 11.3 Predicted waste arisings, 23/4 224/25 (South East Wales Regional Waste Group Regional Waste Plan 1 st Review, 28) The group predicted in 24 that Cardiff would need significantly more waste treatment facilities of most types, albeit not landfill (South East Wales Regional Waste Group, 24, South East Wales Regional Waste Plan). However these predictions may change now as a result of the economic recession, increased population projections for Cardiff, and further measures taken by the Council to reduce waste production. Prosiect Gwyrdd is looking for the best environmental, cost effective and practical solution for waste in South East Wales once recycling and composting has been maximised in each Local Authority area (partnership between Caerphilly, Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Newport and Vale of Glamorgan Councils). Page 78 of 78